The Flying Fijians have what it takes to beat Samoa this afternoon.
Those were the words of former, Flying Fijians coach, Wayne Pivac ahead of the Battle of the Pacific at the sell out Eden Park.
Pivac said that the spotlight and pressure weighs on Samoa after they failed to beat Wales last weekend and with the 60,000 sell out clash it will be sudden death for both teams knowing only one can remain in the quarter final hunt.
Samoan captain, Mahonri Schwalger said that this game means a lot to both side's knowing that they have to demonstrate the firepower out wide.
Also an International Rugby Board judiciary has dismissed an appeal by Fiji flanker Dominiko Waqaniburotu over his three match suspension for a tip tackle on South Africa's Pat Lambie at the Rugby World Cup.
Waqaniburotu was found guilty this week of foul play in the September 17 match at Wellington.
Last night, the IRB said the appeal was dismissed because “the central conclusions of judicial officer in the original hearing were deemed to be correct and appropriate.”
You can catch a live commentary of the Fiji and Samoa match on our sister station, Viti FM at 2.30pm with the voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and expert comments from former Wallaby and former Fiji player and 2007 RWC coach, Ilivasi Tabua.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have fired a warning shot to the other World Cup contenders after thumping France 37-17 last night.
Victory was set up in the first half as the All Blacks raced 19-0 clear in 22 minutes courtesy of three rapid fire tries.
The second half was won 18-14 by NZ, aided by a last minute try but the outcome was never in doubt.
France wasn’t aided by a large mistake rate but much of it was forced by aggressive All Blacks defence.
The set piece was even but the All Blacks speed off turnover ball and there was a fair bit of that to work with proved the difference.
McCaw was outstanding in his 100th test, along with Kaino, as the All Blacks dominated at the tackle while backs such as Carter, Nonu and Dagg were constant threats.
There will be concern over injuries to Thomson, Kahui and Dagg while one or two others seemed to be hobbling.
On to Canada in Wellington next Saturday for an All Blacks side who are now destined to top their pool and take momentum into the quarter-finals.
McCaw was happy with the way his team played against a French side which is always a threat to any team in the World Cup.
In other results last night, England hammered a weakened Romania 67-3 in a Rugby World Cup pool B match to book a spot in the quarterfinal.
Also this afternoon at 5, Ireland will face Russia and at 7.30pm Scotland will take on Argentina.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Feature
Flying Fijians have what it takes to beat Samoa-Pivac
