The Vodafone Flying Fijians captain Akapusi Qera accepts that the absence of Nemani Nadolo is ‘a massive loss’ for his team in tomorrow’s clash against Wales.
“Losing Nemani is a massive loss for us. He is one of our consistent kickers and he has big boots to fill, but I know the other boys have an opportunity, and they will grab it with both hands. We need to play the best we can to compete with Wales on Thursday.”
Powerful strike runner and goal-kicker Nadolo must sit out the Millennium Stadium encounter due to a one-match ban imposed for a dangerous tackle when Fiji lost to Pool A opponents Australia seven days ago.
Qera well remembers playing in a fired up Fiji side when they knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup and he’s demanding a repeat effort at the Millennium Stadium.
It will be a big day for the Fiji skipper and Montpellier flanker who will become only the third Fijian to play 50 Tests.
But any celebrations will be muted if Fiji don’t achieve their aim of pulling off another historic win to keep alive their chances of automatic qualification for the next World Cup.
The Fijians came into this tournament confident of at least one upset and opening losses to England and Australia leaves Wales as the remaining target with only minnows Uruguay left to play.
Wales will host the Flying Fijians at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff at 3:45am tomorrow and you can watch it live on FBC TV.
And for all of Fiji’s match commentaries, tune in to Bula FM and Radio Fiji One.
