Fiji Reap The Benefits Of Early RWC Qualification

Brendan Gallagher rounds up the recent international action that has seen early qualifiers for RWC2019

A way from the excitement of the Lions tour to New Zealand and England’s vibrant mini Test series with Argentina, Fiji would seem to be among those who have benefitted most from a busy summer of rugby.

Fijian rugby often loses impetus mid-cycle between World Cups with their bigger names looking to placate their clubs by taking time out, but this summer coach John McKee managed to gather a near full strength squad for what was one of their more demanding recent fixture lists.

After reintroducing themselves in a tough opener against Australia in Brisbane, the Fijians reeled off home wins against Italy and Scotland before travelling to Tonga where they claimed a hard fought 14-10 win the Pacific Nations Championship.

That victory in Nuku’alofa saw Fiji qualify for RWC2019 and climb back up to tenth in the world rankings which is a much truer representation of their current standing in the game. It also contained an absolute cracker of a try from the remarkable Leone Nakarawa which, even in a summer of exceptional Test tries, is right up the among the best.

In World Cup terms, Fiji can be excused a little déjà vu as they will now lock horns again with Wales and Australia – who they tangled with at RWC2015 in the infamous Pool of Death which also included England. Georgia will be new opponents – and what a fascinating contrast in styles that will bring – while Pool D will be completed by whoever emerges as the America 2 qualifier. That will be either Canada or Uruguay and of course Fiji also played Los Toros at RWC2015. It could be quite a reunion in Japan.