[Source: Fiji Rugby]

Leone Nakarawa has been labelled by overseas media as one of the five players to watch at the Rugby World Cup.

The ‘Octopus’, as he is called by teammate Jale Vatubua, is among four Fiji squad members at the World Cup who also won a gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Nakarawa’s ability to use his long arms to offload the ball can be almost undefendable and his reach also means he is dangerous disrupting opposition ball high in the air at lineouts as well as during driving mauls.

With 59 caps, the 31-year-old Nakarawa is one behind Campese Ma’afu as Fiji’s most experienced player at the World Cup.

But Nakarawa says they play as a unit and the onus is on them now to perform.

“It’s up to us now to work hard we are the ones being picked for the World Cup it’s all on the individuals’ mindset and the team will work on from there.”

The other four players that are expected to shine at this World Cup include Johnny Sexton of Ireland, Siya Kolisi – the Springboks captain, young Jordan Petaia of Australia and All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett.

The Flying Fijians will play Australia next Saturday at 4:45pm.