Fiji have risen to seventh in the World Rugby rankings after their first win against England last weekend at Twickenham.
They have lost just once all season, to world number two side France. Victories over Tonga, Samoa and Japan won them the Pacific Nations Cup, and the Flying Fijians hold their highest-ever ranking, above Pool C rivals Wales and Australia.
And Wainiqolo – who won Olympic Gold with Fiji Sevens at Tokyo 2020 before making the switch to the 15-a-side game – believes the Pacific Island team head into this tournament with one of the strongest sides they’ve ever had.
He said: “This is my first World Cup, but the boys who have already played in World Cups have said this is one of the best Fiji teams they’ve been involved in.
“We’re young and very fit compared to previous teams, with some big names and senior players like Semi Radradra, wise guys playing in France, and young players in Super Rugby. It’s a good mix.”
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