The head of World Rugby has tipped the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians as the team to watch in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Speaking from Japan, World Rugby Chair Bill Beaumont says Fiji should never be under-estimated.

If you look back, Fiji – four years ago, were a tough group – played extremely well. They look well prepared for this one. Ignore the Pacific Islands at your own peril – if I were a coach because they are capable of playing outstanding rugby.

Beaumont adds that other Pacific teams are also showing promise and are sure to put on a spectacle in Japan.

Fiji rattled Australia during pool play at the last World Cup, denying the Wallabies a bonus-point win.

Indications are that it will be another close encounter when the two meet again this Saturday.