All eyes now turn to the Australia and Wales encounter tomorrow follow¬ing the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians’ shock 27-30 loss to Uruguay.

The match at Tokyo Stadium is an important one for Fiji’s prospects at the World Cup, which hang by a thread following Wednesday’s loss.

Mathematically, the Dominiko Waqaniburotu-captained side can still make it through, although much will depend on other results.

The scenario is as follows: Wales and Australia both sit on five points after bonus point victories in their opening day fixtures.
Fiji, with two points, is in fourth place while Uruguay is on third having earned four points from their opening win.

If Wales lose to Australia and fail to get any bonus points, it increases Fiji’s chances of reaching the next stage – something they have not done since 2007.
John Mckee’s side will need to win with a bonus point against Georgia on Thursday to move to seven points and then beat Wales on October 9 to stand any chance of qualifying.

The Fijians will also have to try and deny Wales any bonus points in that match – and probably earn one themselves.

But Warren Gatland’s side play Uruguay on October 13 in their final pool game and could overturn their fortunes even if they lose to Fiji. However, if Wales manage to beat Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds become all the more difficult. The margins could not be tighter.

Team announcement

Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has made four changes to his backline, roping in Will Genia and Bernard Foley at the halves and Dane Haylett-Petty for Kurtley Beale at fullback.
Fijian-born Marika Koroibete, Isi Naisarani and Samu Kerevi retain their places in the squad, while Adam Ashley-Cooper re-places the suspended Reece Hodge.
Gatland, however, has stuck with the team that cruised to a 43-14 win against Georgia in their opening fixture on September 23. Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback: sheldon.chanel@fijisun. com.fj