AUCKLAND, 22 Sept. - Fiji are relying on senior players and the man who led them to the quarter-finals of the last Rugby World Cup for guidance and motivation as they prepare for Sunday's crucial Pool D match with Pacific neighbours Samoa,
"We're using a lot of senior players with a good history of playing Samoa to drive the conversation," Fiji assistant coach Shannon Fraser said at the team hotel on Thursday.
"We, as coaches, can speak tactically and can talk statistically, but we've really got to ignite the flame within."
One of the men Fiji are turning to for inspiration is former captain Mosese Rauluni, who is now the team's specialist coach. Fraser says the 36-year-old, who led Fiji in their thrilling 37-20 quarter-final loss to South Africa in 2007, is responsible for 80 per cent of the squad's morale in New Zealand.
"His leadership skills and what he does to develop morale and spirit is incredibly infectious. Now he's taken the step into coaching, which is a great resource for Fiji to have."
Vital link
With 43 caps and three Rugby World Cups on his distinguished rugby resume, Rauluni mentors the team's younger leaders, providing a vital link between the playing group and management.
Fiji have set a pre-tournament goal to go one better than at RWC 2007 and finish in the top four, which could be a tall order in Pool D, which has been branded the 'group of death'.
With a 49-25 victory over Namibia and a 49-3 loss to reigning RWC champions South Africa behind them, a top two pool finish is still possible, and Fraser said that "Wales and Samoa are must-win games if we want to progress".
Fiji have beaten Samoa 25 of the 44 times the island nations have played each other, but Samoa are two positions higher in the IRB World Rankings, where the teams are 12th and 14th respectively.
Fraser believes the encounter with Samoa will come down to mental strength.
Big game
"It'll be whichever team is more confident and believes in their ability," he said. "The boys are pretty confident. It's a rivalry clash, a big game."
Fiji will be without flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu, who is appealing against a three-week suspension for a dangerous tip tackle.
On a more positive note, veteran fly half Nicky Little, playing in his fourth Rugby World Cup, could win his 70th cap.
The 35-year-old came off the bench against the Springboks last weekend and is considered likely to make the milestone when the team is announced on Friday.
"He plays some good football," said Fraser. "Five-eighth is not heavily resourced in Fiji, so he brings a great level of experience in confidence and control to the team."
RNS eg/gs/mr
