Much like Tonga or Samoa, Fiji is one of the countries New Zealanders like to think of as our friendly neighbourhood - our back yard where fantastic players are poached, given a fancy All Black uniform, and never play for their own country again.

But that's competition for you. The question for this World Cup is whether Fiji can convert its skill in the seven-man game - highlighted by the country's greatest-ever player Waisale Serevi - to the 15-man game. After all, the Fijians seriously love their rugby. When the most recent coup was about to take place, the current dictator decided to pause the takeover of the country... for a game.

But hey, it is the national sport after all. Fiji's style has been described as "razzle-dazzle", which is a nice way of saying they run fast and move the ball lots. And while this is a great way to play sevens, they're unlikely to be able to apply the pressure of a highly-trained side.

'When the most recent coup was about to take place, the current dictator decided to pause the takeover of the country... for a game'

If it's any measure, even at their own level in the Pacific Rugby Cu,  the game is dominated by Samoa. Fiji made the finals last year but fell short this year after a difficult season. Once again, this is probably a combination of being a second-tier side under recruitment pressure from big brothers New Zealand and Australia.

Regardless, Fiji are a spirited side, and will doubtless paste the Japanese and Canadians in their Pool. Were they to achieve a miracle and disappoint the Welsh, there is every chance they could make the quarters. But I doubt it.

Fiji play Japan on September 12, the Canucks on September 16, will be pasted by the Criminal Element on September 22 - and face off against the Welsh a week later.