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Fiji seek another Welsh scalp

Now he is demanding a repeat effort on Thursday.

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It will be a big day for the Fiji skipper and Montpellier flank, who will become only the third Fijian to play 50 Tests.

But any celebrations will be muted if Fiji don't achieve their aim of pulling off another historic win to keep alive their chances of automatic qualification for the next World Cup.

They came into this tournament confident of at least one upset and opening losses to England and Australia leaves Wales at Millennium stadium on Thursday as the remaining target – with only minnows Uruguay to play after that.

"There's still a lot for us to play for," coach John McKee emphasised.Fiji seek another Welsh scalp

"Though the quarterfinals are beyond us, third place in the pool is still a very important position as it automatically qualifies you for the next World Cup."

Qera, who scored a try in the classic match eight years ago, said the memory drives him on.

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"The 2007 win is history for me and stays in the back of my mind," he said Tuesday, while playing down the 66-0 hiding they took from Wales four years later.

"We know Wales have a changed team from the past two World Cups and they are ranked No.2 in the world. We need to play the best we can."

Injuries and indiscretions have forced Fiji to make six changes, notably covering star wing Nemani Nadolo who is suspended, Waisea Nayacalevu who is out of the tournament injured and scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu who was not available because of a back injury.

"But I know the other boys have an opportunity and they'll grab it with both hands," Qesa said, adding Fiji had been inspired by the way Wales have overcome setbacks and needed to make three injury-forced replacements for the match.

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Narbonne hooker Sunia Koto believes Fiji can take Wales on up front which will benefit Timoci Nagusa, who comes into the side as a try-scoring specialist wing replacement for Nayacalevu.

"They have a very experienced and heavy pack and looking at their last outing against England they have so much firepower, but we have seen some places where we may be able to cause a bit of a problem for them," said Koto.

"If we can dominate up front we can give quality ball to our brilliant backline and make it easier to win."

The last time Fiji played Wales, with largely the same line ups, they were narrowly beaten 17-13 at Millennium Stadium last November and Koto said that match could have gone either way.

"We missed a few penalties in that game and we're excited about Thursday because they have a similar team to then and anything is possible in a World Cup."

Agence France-Presse

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