OITA, 8 Oct - A preview of the Pool D game between Wales and Fiji, which kicks off at 18:45 on Wednesday at Oita Stadium.

The big picture

Just the mention of Nantes 2007 sends a shudder down the spine of anyone connected with Welsh rugby.

Wales were so confident of winning their final pool game against Fiji at that year's World Cup that they had already made the players aware of the preparations for the quarter-finals.

But in a rollercoaster of a game which you can watch below - and despite outscoring their opponents five tries to four - Wales lost 38-34 and crashed out of the tournament as Fiji celebrated, pictured above.

Coach Gareth Jenkins was sacked in the car park of the team hotel in France, the Welsh Rugby Union turned to a New Zealander, Warren Gatland, and the rest is history.

That history includes three Grand Slams and a Six Nations title as well as runs to the RWC semi-finals in 2011 and quarter-finals in 2015.

Wales have beaten Fiji in their two World Cup meetings since, a 66-0 thrashing in 2011 and a 23-13 win in Cardiff four years ago.

Defeat at Oita Stadium this time would not have such dire consequences, as victory in their remaining game against Uruguay would still take Wales through, though they would probably lose the advantage that comes with finishing top of the pool.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones, who will win his 131st cap against Fiji, is the only survivor from that 2007 team, though outside-half Stephen Jones is now on the Wales coaching staff.

"It was a huge disappointment to get knocked out in the group stages," said Stephen Jones.

"It highlighted what Fijian rugby is all about. Give them space and time and they move the ball well and have an offloading game and put you under pressure. They did that day and scored some wonderful tries."

Fiji coach John McKee said his side will use that famous 2007 win as an inspiration as they look to keep alive their hopes of qualifying in their final match of the pool stage.

"We will certainly use that as a reference point this week and that is one of the great Fijian performances," said the New Zealander.

"History can inspire us but the result will be determined on how the players play in the game.

"These boys are very proud of representing their country and they really want to put in a performance that makes the whole nation proud of this Flying Fijians team. 

"They’ve got to realise that the things they do set an example for future generations."

Gatland, who departs his role at the end of this tournament, knows the danger posed by the Pacific Islanders.

"They have got some real threats, it's going to be a tight game," he said.

"We've got to make sure we shut their space down and shut down their time on their ball."

Form guide (most recent matches first)

Wales: WWLLW

Fiji: WLLWW

Head-to-head

Played 11 - Wales 9W, Fiji 1W, Drawn 1

In the spotlight

Viliame Mata, Fiji's towering back-row forward, will need little introduction to the Wales players as he makes a return to the starting line-up after a calf injury.

He was named Edinburgh's European and Pro14 player of the year last season for his club performances and knows all about his opponents in Oita.

He also led Fiji to victory over Great Britain in the rugby sevens final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

"Edinburgh created a personal programme that suited me very well as a Fijian in the northern hemisphere," said Mata.

"I have to give credit to them. A lot of Fijians are making the move over to Europe, and that is very good for Fijian rugby."

Team news

Wales have made two changes to the starting XV from their opening two games, both in the back row, with number eight Ross Moriarty making his first start at the tournament and flanker James Davies making his RWC debut at flanker.

Out go Justin Tipuric, who is being rested and who looks likely to captain a much-changed team against Uruguay on Sunday, and Aaron Wainwright, while the versatile Josh Navidi switches from number eight to blindside flanker.

Rhys Carre, who as the youngest member of the squad has been carrying around a Welsh love spoon - a wooden symbol used to express affection, part of a 400-year-old tradition - gets a spot on the bench.

Viliame Mata, Fiji’s back-row forward, returns to their starting XV after proving his fitness from the bench against Georgia, having sustained a calf injury in their opening defeat by Australia.

Stats and trivia

Wales centre Jonathan Davies is nicknamed 'Fox' as he was raised above the Fox & Hounds pub run by his parents in Bancyfelin. Younger brother James is nicknamed 'Cubby Boi' or 'Cub', which he has tattooed across his knuckles.

Fiji won one pool phase match in 2011 and 2015. The last time they won multiple pool phase matches was in 2007, when they won three, including that victory over Wales.

Quotes

"When I congratulated James (Davies) his reply was, 'You have finally seen the light, have you?'  I loved that. I thought it was brilliant, a great response." - Wales coach Warren Gatland on telling Davies he had been selected to make his RWC debut.

"For the Wales game, we are training as if it is a final for us. The boys are going to give it their all,” said Fiji’s Villiame Mata.

RNS ig/sg/rl/bo