Only three hours remain for the Rugby World Cup Oceania Qualifier between the Vodafone Flying Fijians and the Cook Islands to kick off.
Cook Islands coach Barry George is on a mission to take the Cook Islands to their first ever Rugby World Cup.
George said they have nothing to lose and he has faith in his players.
The Cook Islands defeated Papua New Guinea last year and has only 80 minutes of rugby left to discover their biggest dream of the Rugby World Cup if they beat the Flying Fijians.
Captain Stanley Wright said few players that are expected to provide the spark in the team are centre Joel Rapana, who has played for the Queensland Reds, hooker Francis Smith who plays for New Zealand’s Tasman province, and Auckland winger Chay Raui.
Flying Fijians coach John McKee has named his top players to run out this afternoon against the Cooks.
McKee has made six changes to the side that lost to Samoa last Saturday with Sunia Koto replacing Tuapate Talemaitoga, Api Naikatini comes in for Leone Nakarawa, Malakai Ravulo takes up the openside flanker position while captain Akapusi Qera moves to number 8.
In the backline, Nemia Kenatale starts ahead of Nikola Matawalu, Watisoni Votu replaces Napolioni Nalaga and Waisea Nayacalevu comes in for Sireli Bobo.
McKee said they have spent a lot of time this week improving on their break downs and driving mauls.
The match between the Flying Fijians and Cook Islands kicks off at 3 this afternoon at Churchill Park and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station VITI FM.
The winner of this match will join England, Wales, Australia and another unconfirmed team in Pool A of the World Cup next year.
