KEY POINTS:
The Wallabies will attempt to "strangle" the life out of a second-string Fiji to seal a World Cup rugby quarterfinal - probably against England - tomorrow morning.
The strong-arm, conservative tactics will be no surprise to the flamboyant Fijians who, like Scotland against the All Blacks, have chosen
to field a team other than their top XV at Montpellier's Stade de la Mosson.
Their coach, Ilie Tabua, who played for Australia and Fiji in his international career, learned those tactics when playing under Australian coach John Connolly at Queensland in the 1990s. Connolly has dusted off his plans of a tight, structured set piece game designed to prevent the dangerous islanders any loose ball.
"Knowing the way we play, [Connolly] will want to control the game," Tabua said. "Being under him playing for Queensland against Fiji all he would say was: 'You strangle them and keep the ball to yourself. If you give them the ball they can score tries from anywhere'."
Despite both sides entering the match unbeaten and scrum guru Alex Evans describing it as Australia's danger pool match, the Wallabies are overwhelming favourites after Connolly stuck close to his strongest team.
Tabua, on the other hand, has made 11 changes to the side who beat Canada 29-16 to keep his topliners fresh for their cut-throat encounter against Wales on September 29.
However, some of the best attacking players in world rugby remain in the Fijian side, with Norman Ligairi and Vilimoni Delasau among the back three. France-based veteran centre Seremaia Bai has been given the captaincy with Brisbane-raised halfback Mosese Rauluni to come off the bench.
An Australian win will book them an October 6 quarterfinal against the pool B runners-up, most likely England, but tomorrow's match means much more for four Wallabies. Flanker Phil Waugh, winger Drew Mitchell and utility Adam Ashley-Cooper are playing for starting spots in the top side.
Rookie sensation Berrick Barnes must also back up his brilliant form from the win over Wales to remain a worthy backup for the injured Stephen Larkham.
Connolly said nothing had changed in his plans from when he coached the Reds against the islanders in the old Super Six. "But it's very much about us in this game," he said. "We'll pay them the respect they deserve."
An interesting sub-plot will be the treatment Australian winger Lote Tuqiri receives from his former countrymen. Tuqiri, who captained Fiji at the 2000 rugby league World Cup, admitted this week he was the target for extra niggle in the 49-0 match in Perth this year.
Teams:
Australia: Chris Latham, Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Lote Tuqiri, Berrick Barnes, George Gregan (captain), Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh, Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Matt Dunning. Reserves: Adam Freier, Greg Holmes, Hugh McMeniman, Stephen Hoiles, Sam Cordingley, Scott Staniforth, Julian Huxley.
Fiji: Norman Ligairi, Vilimoni Delasau, Maleli Kunavore, Seremaia Bai (captain), Isoa Neivua, Waisea Luveniyali, Jone Daunivucu, Jone Qovu, Aca Ratuva, Netani Talei, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Isoa Domolailai, Henry Qiodravu, Vereniki Sauturaga, Alefoso Yalayalatabua. Reserves: Bill Gadolo, Jone Railomo, Wame Lewaravu, Sisa Koyamaibole, Mosese Rauluni, Gabiriele Lovobalavu, Seru Rabeni.