Source: BBC

Fijian rugby has always been known for its flair but coach Simon Raiwalui has also looked to instil discipline, without taking away the X-factor.

“We have been working hard on discipline and the physical aspect but we still want to play like Fijians,” said Raiwalui.

“We always have talent but it is about getting the key things right, like fitness, so we could play rugby at a high level.

“We have traditionally been a team that plays in spurts and our priority is to play against the top teams for 80 minutes.

“A lot of teams will say wait for the 30-minute mark and see Fiji tire or lose discipline. We are trying to eradicate that.

“We have worked hard on our set-piece and our scrum and lineout have been going well. We have worked hard on the basics so we have the foundations to free up our play.”

Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu says he has seen the difference from previous Fiji teams.

“It is more settled and we have been gelling well,” said Nayacalevu.

“Fijians like playing a free style of rugby, that’s what we want to do while keeping our structure.”

Homegrown talent

Fiji’s development has been aided by the creation of Super Rugby Pacific’s Fijian Drua.

The Drua reached the Super Rugby quarter-finals in their second season in June, losing to eventual winners the Crusaders.

Raiwalui has named a squad with 18 of his 33 players Drua-based players.

“The Drua has been a great benefit,” said Raiwalui.

“We have been able to blood up to 50 players at Super Rugby level and you will only see the benefits.

“There is continuity and we have the combination now of overseas players also performing at the highest level.

“Traditionally we have had success in the sevens but it’s about being more consistent at the XV.”

Baber believes the Drua has helped the process of translating the success of sevens towards the longer format.

“The sevens obsession has always been there because it’s so visible,” said Baber.

“What has happened now is the Drua have made that connection for people in terms of 15-a-side.

“Having a team on the island means this form of the game is visible throughout the Super Rugby season and that has elevated the level of interest.

“You see players who are now living in Fiji playing Super Rugby, and you’re also getting international teams coming over to play. That did not happen before.”

World Cup preparation

The desire to connect with Fijian life meant World Cup preparations began on home soil with a heavy fitness regime. This included a video of the squad tackling sand dunes together in formation going viral.

“We got our players back to Fiji to prepare,” said Raiwalui.

“We went back to our origins, not at a hotel with all the fancy mod-cons.

“We connected to who we are and what we play for. It was a big part of our preparation and put us on a good footing.

“The boys have been great and done everything we have asked of them. We have pushed them to the limits.

“We have made a huge improvement in the couple of months and made the best of what we have.”