Infotainment Factory: '30 Fijians on the field': Unique backdrop to RWC clash

SAINT-ETIENNE: With Rugby World Cup quarter-final spots on the line, Australia vs Fiji in Pool C was always going to be a big game.

But Fiji's thrilling opening loss to Wales has added extra desperation from their perspective and the fact that there are six Wallabies with Fijian heritage has added an extra layer of meaning.

Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Rob Valetini, Suliasi Vunivalu and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa have all been named in Australia's 23 for Monday's (AEST) clash while a seventh, Langi Gleeson, is also in the squad.

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Fiji players perform the cibi at Stade de Bordeaux.

"It's always going to be special as Fiji holds a special place in our heart," Kerevi said.

Kerevi, Koroibete and Vunivalu were born in Fiji and the connections get deeper through Fiji's coach Simon Raiwalui, a former Wallabies assistant.

Rugby Australia has also helped Fiji's rise up the world rankings by supporting the Drua's participation in Super Rugby Pacific.

Coach Simon Raiwalui of Fiji during a press conference.

"It's going to be good with 30 Fijians on the field," Raiwalui joked.

Fiji have not beaten the Wallabies since 1954 at the SCG but are ranked ninth in the world - just two spots behind Australia.

Adding to the tension are Australia's injury woes with captain Will Skelton (calf) in doubt and vice captain Tate McDermott (concussion) and star prop Taniela Tupou (hamstring) ruled out.

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"We're proud of all Fijians that play all over the world," Raiwalui said.

"Some have had to go overseas to find opportunities but we're proud of all our brothers whether they play for Fiji or Australia or other countries."

Raiwalui also moved swiftly to claim the underdog tag despite Australia's 1-5 record under Eddie Jones in 2023.

"They have been playing very well, they've got a young, dynamic team, very aggressive on the gainline with their carries, their cleans, a lot of strike weapons across the field," Raiwalui said.

"So we don't take much from what their (warm up) results are. I think Eddie will have them firing for the match and we're looking forward to a great occasion, two teams who like to play rugby, play with ball carriers and strike weapons so it should be a good match."

WALLABIES (15-1): Ben Donaldson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Carter Gordon, Nic White, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Will Skelton (c), Nick Frost, James Slipper, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold, Rob Leota, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Lalakai Foketi, Suliasi Vunivalu

FIJI (15-1): Ilaisa Droasese, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Waisea Nayacalevu (c), Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Teti Tela, Simione Kuruvoli, Viliame Mata, Levani Botia, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Luke Tagi, Samuel Matavesi, Eroni Mawi

Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Albert Tuisue, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Vinaya Habosi