It is going to be a gamble for FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui when he selects his 23 against Portugal in their Pool C match this coming Monday.

The Os Lobos are not to be underestimated after putting on a good game despite losing 14-34 against the Australian Wallabies last week.

While selection will be tough for Raiwalui this week, can he gamble his squad with a hope to rest some of his key players for the quarterfinal match against England?

How good is the depth of his selection?

Can he trust and give the opportunity to players like Peni Matawalu, Iosefo Masi, Meli Derenalagi, Filimoni Botitu, Vilive Miramira, Zuriel Togiatama, Kalaveti Ravouvou and Sireli Maqala.

Confidence and believing in these Flying Fijian squad is huge, the fans and the world have witnessed it, the same concept is channelled to these boys if given the chance.

It’s a hard ask, it’s tough given the circumstances we are in at Pool C but these boys have worked hard to earn a spot to play at the rugby World Cup.

Who knows they could be game changer and might give that extra boost heading into the top eight.

It is time to believe, trust and have confidence in these boys, they know the importance of the match and I can bet you your last dollar that they are raring to jump into action.

Some of our starting players, would have been played 240 minutes of rugby which is 80 minutes in each three games in a space of two weeks despite the rest before facing Georgia.

The coaching staff, the players and fans know how important this game is to Fiji.

The result determines their chance in securing a quarterfinal spot.

The Australian Wallabies are hoping that we lose.

The mind-set from the coaching staff and the team is simple, to win the match with a bonus point.

Is there a Plan B for our r Flying Fijians final 23 squad that will face Portugal?

Till that selection day, let’s hope that the best team is selected.

A win of any sort, doesn’t matter how we do as it gives us the ticket to the quarters.

By: Simione Haravanua

• The writer is a former sports journalist and is now a strength and conditioning coach based in Melbourne, Australia

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj