The Vodafone Flying Fijians pose a big threat in the Rugby World Cup in England, says former Fijian international Joeli Veitayaki.

The Matuku, Lau, native, considered to be the heaviest prop (136kg) in the 2003 RWC in Australia, said Fiji could beat England in our opening pool game on September 19.

Veitayaki, who also played in the 1999 RWC in France under former coach and former All Blacks Brad Johnstone, calls on the Flying Fijians to play for the nation, especially those living in villages and rural areas.

“Fiji can beat England,” he said from New Zealand yesterday.

“We will be more competitive. Our forwards will be tough and they will play a key role this time in the RWC.”

Veitayaki said he had been closely following the Vodafone Flying Fijians’ preparations.

“They will deliver the remarkable feat of the 2007 RWC side that reached the quarterfinal. This team is equally good and their level of performance in the Pacific Nations Cup indicates a strong performance in the RWC.

“The Flying Fijians forwards will be the X-Factor because I am impressed with our scrum.

“Scrum is the most important components of a team and we need to be competitive to tackle big teams during a scrum. I’m impressed with tighthead prop, Manasa Saulo.

“He is good and is doing what is supposed to be done in that area. He will perform well against England.

“They have prepared for this. They have been playing together for a while and it’s high time now to show the big teams that they can compete against them in the RWC.

“It’s a big game for the boys against England, but it just another game, different venue and different crowd.

“They have to believe in themselves and do it for the people of this nation. They need to play with their hearts out; for the people of Fiji, the people in the village who have to walk miles away to connect to the television. They have to win and they can do it,” Veitayaki added.

The Flying Fijians play England at 7am on September 19. The side plays Australia in their second Pool A match on September 24 at 3.45am.

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