Qera fit for Fiji

Gloucester-bound flanker Akapusi Qera has been passed fit to start for Fiji in Sunday’s World Cup clash with Canada in Cardiff.

Qera left the field with a knee injury after scoring two tries in Fiji’s bruising 35-31 victory over Japan on Wednesday but is included in a side featuring just two changes.

Both come in the pack. Veteran lock Ifereimi Rawaqa starts ahead of Wame Lewaravu, who is suffering a bruised chest, while Jone Railomo replaces Henry Qiodravu at tight-head prop.

Fiji coach Ilie Tabua is concerned about his side’s ability to match the Canucks up front.

Canada scored two of their three tries against Wales through the forwards – the other was an 80-metre intercept – and Tabua warned Fiji must be prepared to get physical.

“For everybody in Fiji, it’s popular to run with the ball not to fight hard for the ball,” said Tabua.

“I think the perception is that running with the ball is the thing rather than being the tough man to work for the ball.

“They are a much bigger pack than Japan and on a softer surface, with Wales and Australia playing the day before us in the Millennium Stadium, it is important for us to have a good scrummaging game.”

Fiji team to play Canada in Pool B of the World Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday: K Ratuvou; V Delasau, S Rabeni, S Bai, I Neivua; N Little, M Rauluni; G Dewes, S Koto, J Railomo, K Leawere, I Rawaqa, S Naevo, A Qera, S Koyamaibole.

Replacements: V Sauturaga, H Qiodravu, N Talei, J Qovu, J Daunivucu, M Kunavore, N Ligairi.