Rugby World Cup: Brendan Cannon previews Wallabies v Fiji

In his exclusive column, former Wallaby Brendan Cannon has revealed why the Wallabies must be wary of Fiji and the key to Eddie Jones’ side avoiding a World Cup boilover.

Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji breaks. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

I’ve been confident about the Wallabies’ chances all week, but after a chat with my good friend and former Queensland teammate Jacob Rauluni, I worry Fiji could trouble us.

Jacob captained Fiji at the 2003 World Cup, and also played in the 1999 tournament.

While Fiji have produced a couple of memorable moments at World Cups before, he reckons this is the best team they’ve ever fielded.

And the reason is simple. When he played Tests for Fiji, the side was made up of a combination of village players, club players, Super Rugby wingers and a couple based internationally.

Jacob Rauluni (ball) expressed confidence Fiji can shock the Wallabies.

Now the squad is about 90 per cent professional, in no small part because the Fijian Drua have been brought into Super Rugby.

When I spoke to Jacob, I could tell he is genuinely confident Fiji can defeat Australia to record one of the great World Cup upsets.

Because their players are largely professional, it has done wonders for their preparation, fitness base and understanding of the game.

Jacob told me that for Fiji to win, “they must be patient with the ball. In fact, the closer they get to Australia’s line, the more patience they need to show with ball in hand.”

We know how Fijian kids grow up playing rugby in their villages and on the sand, creating masterful plays with their individual brilliance. The problem is that at Test level, they can often try to recreate those moments, going for the one big play instead of taking time to build pressure.

Fiji's outside centre and captain Waisea Nayacalevu runs. Picture: Christophe ARCHAMBAULT / AFP

If they take Jacob’s advice and test the Wallabies phase after phase, it could be a long day.

Their win over England at Twickenham before the World Cup will have given them the belief that they truly belong with the big dogs, and they came within a whisker of beating Wales in the opener, so confidence will be very high.

Fiji players celebrate after their historic victory over England. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

I am still of the belief Australia should get the victory — if they play the right way.

They can’t rely on a technical approach that relies on kicking.

In fact, ditch the box kick.

It would be rugby suicide to give the ball back to a team that is so rich in running talent.

Instead, I believe Australia needs to out-Fiji the Fijians. Take them on in the running game and the physical battle and prove they are stronger, faster and more skilful.

I know Eddie Jones would have been putting his players through physical hell in training camps leading up to the World Cup. Now is the time to prove why that hard work was worth it.

The longer the Wallabies can hold the ball, the more frustrating it will be for the Fijians, leading them to mentally disengage from the contest and creating gaps to exploit.

We have to control the tempo of the game, and produce a blend of attacking play and a forward-orientated grinding down style.

If not, I fear I’ll be receiving a “told you so” call from my old mate Jacob on Monday morning.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup: Brendan Cannon previews Wallabies v Fiji