Fijian teams have thrilled crowds for years both in the 15 and 7-player formats. In 2007, Fiji delivered their predictable entertainment and more importantly had consistency in performance.
The side had two wins against Japan and Canada and a loss to the Wallabies before taking on Wales in the final group game.
Despite only having 35 per cent of possession in the first 40, Fiji raced to a 25-10 lead at half-time, including one the tries of the tournament to winger Vilimoni Delasau.
Fiji continued to make the most of their territory and delighted forwards coach (and Roar Expert) Greg Mumm by winning all 11 of their lineout throws.
“If you take away our ball it puts a lot of pressure on the way Fiji play, although we are improving without the ball as our defence has been a lot better,” Mumm said to reporters after the match.
“The best attribute we have is running with the ball and putting some unpredictable pressure on the defensive systems of more senior teams that are used to defending a structured game.”
Fiji held on in the wake of a Welsh fightback to win 38-34, knocking Wales out of the tournament in the process.
After such an emotional victory, many expected Fiji to have a post-Wales hangover in the quarter-final against South Africa.
It appeared to be heading that way when the Springboks scored early in the second half to make it 20-3, but the Fijians responded with tries to Delasau and Sireli Bobo in the space of three minutes to make it 20-17.
The Springboks eventually wore down their spirited opponents with two tries in the final 10 to make it 37-20. But Fiji could hold their heads high, especially as South Africa went on to win the tournament.
Pool A teams England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay certainly won’t be underestimating Fiji in 2015.
The Roar’s World Cup Countdown:
30. Grant Fox’s record 30 conversions from the 1987 World Cup
29. All Blacks claim the 1987 World Cup, 29-9
28. Tonga stun Italy with Sateki Tuipulotu’s boot, winning 28-25
27. 27 per cent of tries came from scrums in 2003 with Canada showing the value of the set piece
26. David Pocock made 26 tackles in a fantastic performance against South Africa in the 2011 quarter-finals
25. South Africa’s 25 wins from 29 matches at the World Cup
24. Wales scores 24 points in the first half against New Zealand but still lose in 2003
23. Nick Farr-Jones 23 wins as Australian captain including an historic 1991 World Cup win against England
22. The Wallabies notch a cricket score with 22 tries in a 142-0 thumping of Namibia in 2003
21. Georgia’s David Dadunashvili becomes the youngest (21) to start at hooker in a World Cup match
20. The first World Cup classic finishes 20-all between Scotland and France in 1987
19. 19-year-old George North becomes youngest World Cup try scorer in 2011
18. Since their first and only win Japan has gone 18-straight World Cup games without victory
17. New Zealand coaching staff present 17 alleged refereeing errors to explain 2007 loss
16. George Gregan and Jason Leonard involved in 16 wins each at World Cup level
15. Jonah Lomu’s 15 tries in 11 matches
14. Jonny Wilkinson’s 14 World Cup drop goals including his most famous one in England’s 20-17 win over the Wallabies
13. Philippe Sella’s fantastic career at No.13 with 13 starts for France at Rugby World Cups
12. The Wallabies record 12-game winning streak from 1999 to 2003
11. Fiji win 11 out of 11 lineouts against Wales during a stunning 38-34 win in 2007
10. David Campese’s 10 tries for the Wallabies at Rugby World Cups
9. Matt Burke’s 9 points per game average after an amazing 1999 tournament
8. Diego Ormaechea, at age 40, was the oldest number 8 to play at a World Cup
7. No.7 Michael Jones scores the first ever World Cup try
6. Marc Ellis’ record six tries in a match against Japan
5. Jannie de Beer’s five drop goals in a match against England in the 1999 quarter-finals
4. Michael Lynagh’s four tries in World Cup matches including his match-winner against Ireland
3. Cardiff has hosted World Cup matches for three tournaments and will make it a record four in 2015
2. Christophe Lamaison’s two drop goals in semi-final blinder
1. The Webb Ellis Cup.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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