Robust Flying Fijians No.8 Viliame Mata has called on his team-mates to believe in themselves, work hard and achieve their goal by beating the Australian Wallabies next Monday morning.

The win is crucial for the Flying Fijians if they are to keep their chances alive of qualifying to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

Mata wants to erase memories of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, when the Flying Fijians were leading 21-12 at the start of the second half and he had to leave the field due to injury. The Wallabies came back to win 39-21.

The 31-year-old said they have reviewed and analysed their game against Wales on Monday, where they narrowly lost 26-32.

“We are ready for the challenge,” Mata said.

“We have to throw our bodies on the line if we are to win this match. It’s a crucial game and against a better opponent and we will prepare very well for the game.”

Viliame Mata (on platform) during training in Bordeaux, France on September 12, 2023.

Mata, who plays for Edinburgh, said it was always a great honour to represent his country.

“We did give our best (against Wales) but unfortunately we didn’t get the result; we have the same goal ahead but just a different team now so we are going to give all our best (and win).”

Mata says they are expecting a tough game from the Eddie Jones-coached Wallabies who are on a high after their 35-15 win over Georgia in their World Cup opener.

Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui said Mata, a leader in the group, performed well in the first game.

“He has always been working hard and a very fantastic player performing his very against any team,” said Raiwalui.

The match kicks off at 3.45am on Monday.

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