Former Fijian national rugby captain Ro Alifereti Doviverata believes the Vodafone Flying Fijians need to step up if they want to pull a win against Japan in the year end European tour on Sunday.

The last game is crucial for the Fijians as it will decide their World Rugby ranking.

At the moment, Fiji is in 10th place while Japan is 11th.

The winner of this game will ensure one of the teams gets a top 10 finish at the end of the year.

Going down to the Barbarians 40-7 and then to England 58-15, Fiji will need to beat Japan to maintain their 10th position.

“Going into the Japan game I am sure that they have looked at their weaknesses in their last two games,” Doviverata said.

“Japan will not be an easy team so hopefully they will tie up all the loose ends and the weaknesses that they had in the last two games.

“Their set pieces are one area that we could improve on as we lose a few line-outs.

“The scrum went well but I think just the organisation of the team need to improve on that such as communication so that they can beat Japan this week.

“I have not watched any of Japan’s previous games but I have seen the scorelines and it was close, especially in their game against Wales, so I know they will try and win this one.

“Our boys need to ensure they do everything right this weekend or they will come back with three losses and that is not a good starting platform for next year.”

Japan got thrashed by Argentina on November 5 at Chichibuya Stadium in Japan, beat Georgia 28-22 on November 12 at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Georgia and came close to beating Wales 30-33 last week at Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

 Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback:  justine.mannan@fijisun.com.fj