Confident Fiji rely on experience and depth

Fiji coach Samu Domoni has put his faith in veteran fly half Nicky Little and the depth of his forwards for the Pool D match against Samoa at Eden Park on Sunday.

"I can't be more confident than this, otherwise I'll have to put the boots on and run out myself,” Domoni said following the team announcement. “This is it. These are the guys who will take Fiji forward."

Five changes have been made to the team that lost 49-3 to South Africa, with the most movement in the forward pack.

Seko Kalou replaces Wame Lewaravu in the second row and Fiji will line up with a new back row with Netani Edward Talei, Mala Ravulo and Sisa Koyamaibole replacing Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, who is suspended, Akapusi Qera and Sakiusa Matadigo. Qera is the only one of the forwards dropping out to be named on the bench.

Little is the only change in the back line, and Domoni is banking on the experience of his fly half, who will make his 70th Test appearance, to help guide the flying Fijians in the crucial match.

“It's a pressure game, and he's comfortable in that area from the first minute,” Domoni said.

"He does everything we ask, he's been doing it all this time and we're comfortable putting him in at No.10 to distribute what we need."

Little landmark

For Little, the first Fijian to play in four Rugby World Cups, Sunday’s match will be no more special than any other time he’s represented his country.

"I feel honoured every time I get a chance,” he said. “Even running on last week with 20 minutes to go, it was just great to get out there and have a last hurrah really.

"Hopefully I'll play well for (Waisea Sedre) Luveniyali, whose place I took, and I can keep the squad up and running."

Captain Deacon Manu is well aware of the threats and challenges Samoa pose up front, and while he is sorry to be without the suspended Waqaniburotu he is confident Fiji have enough talent and depth to cover for the absent forward.

"I feel for him, he's trained with us, he's put his heart and soul into the jersey,” he said. “But the guys taking his place, they're more than capable of performing to that level and it's exciting for them to get that opportunity on such a big occasion."

While there had been much excitement about the prospect of Fiji wing Michael Tagicakibau lining up against his brother Sailosi, who plays for Samoa, Domoni did not include Michael in the 22-man squad and said he resisted making selections for sentimental reasons.

"At the moment we feel that our wingers have been doing well, although there's room for improvement on what we did last week,” Domoni said. "As much as you want to pick him as a feel-good thing, we are here with a mission to accomplish so we've put our best people on the park."