Gallic flair meets Fiji force

BRISBANE - Two of the most unpredictable teams in the tournament will clash in Brisbane tonight.

France and Fiji meet in what should be the most entertaining match of seven otherwise lopsided encounters from Townsville to Melbourne and across to Perth.

Fiji's hard-hitting tackles and dynamic running almost brought them a huge upset in the 1999 World Cup.

In contrast, on a chilly day in St Etienne two years later, France annihilated Fiji 77-10.

French coach Bernard Laporte has warned his players about the dangers of taking Fiji too lightly.

"When they have the ball, they are capable of destabilising any defence," manager Jo Maso said when announcing a full-strength side. "We must be vigilant."

Fiji won't be all fancy passing and wayward forwards, with New Zealander Mac McCallion improving the discipline and mental toughness of his team since taking the job.

"He's one of the old-school coaches," France's New Zealand-born centre Tony Marsh said.

The other pool B teams are Scotland, Japan and the United States.

FRANCE: Nicolas Brusque, Aurelien Rougerie, Tony Marsh, Yannick Jauzion, Christophe Dominici, Frederic Michalak, Fabien Galthie (captain), Imanol Harinordoquy, Olivier Magne, Serge Betsen, Jerome Thion, Fabien Pelous, Jean-Baptiste Poux, Raphael Ibanez and Jean-Jacques Crenca. Res: Yannick Bru, Olivier Milloud, Olivier Brouzet, Christian Labit, Gerald Merceron, Damien Traille, Pepito Elhorga.

FIJI: Norman Ligairi, Vilimoni Delasau, Aisea Tuilevu, Seru Rabeni, Rupeni Cacaunibuca, Nicky Little, Moses Rauluni, Alifereti Doviverata (capt), Kitione Salawa, Sisa Koyamaibole, Apisai Naevo, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Joeli Veitayaki, Greg Smith, Richard Nyholt. Res: Bill Gadolo, Nacanieli Seru, Kele Leawere, Vula Maimuri, Samisoni Rabaka, Waisale Serevi, Marika Vunibaka.

- REUTERS

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