Fiji hope an explosive World Cup start against ultra-minnows Namibia will help banish a troubled build-up and propel them toward a second successive quarter-final.
A diplomatic row, illness and a string of poor results have all overshadowed preparations for Fiji, who are now sitting on their worst ever world ranking of 15th.
Forward Leone Nakarawa had to resign his army commission to even attend the World Cup after New Zealand refused to relax a ban on visits with people connected with Suva’s military regime.
They also suffered a last-minute hitch when No. 8 Sisa Koyamaibole was forced to fly home from New Zealand after his son fell ill.
The difficult period, also including defeats to Samoa, Tonga and Japan, at least ensures there is no danger of complacency despite Fiji’s 67-18 demolition of Namibia in 1999 — their biggest World Cup win.
Center Seremaia Bai is the only survivor from the 2007 quarter-final against South Africa, while Waisea Luveniyali is preferred at fly-half to the more experienced Nicky Little.
Captain Deacon Manu was expecting a tough forwards battle against Namibia, who are now competing in their fourth World Cup — but are still searching for their first win.
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