Preview: Fiji v United States

Fiji and the United States will look to get a major psychological blow in ahead of the World Cup, when they go head-to-head at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, France, on Friday.

Fiji, who lost to Wales (13-17 last week) and France (15-40) on their current year-end tour, will continue their World Cup preparations  with an important competitive build-up seeing them contest the Pacific Nations Cup alongside Samoa, Tonga, Japan, the United States and Canada next year.

Then they take on World Cup hosts England at Twickenham on September 18 next year. That is followed by their other Pool A matches against Australia, Wales and Uruguay.

The US Eagles can boast at least one win on their year-end venture - a 27-17 triumph over Romania, sandwiched between defeats against New Zealand (6-74) and Tonga (12-40). Following their Pacific Nations campaign they start their World Cup campaign when they face Samoa on September 20, followed by Scotland, South Africa and Japan.

Not surprising both coaches spoke of the importance of winning this encounter.

"Following the narrow loss against Wales last weekend, it is very important for the team to step up and take on the challenge of the US Eagles," Fijian coach John McKee said,

"This game will not be easy and the team must be focused to put in a winning performance."

Fijian scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu felt they will be a force at the World Cup, but they need to build on last week's encouraging performance against Wales.

"We are in the pool of death with England, Wales, Australia and Uruguay, and that will be hard. It will be immense," Matawalu said.

"Everyone [who play] over in France in the Top 14, in the Premiership and Pro12 can put their hands up," he said of his teammates.

The Eagles also believe there is much to be gained from victory in France.

"We asked a heck of a lot from some players without a lot of experience in key positions, never mind that they were in pivotal tactical positions, so inconsistency in kicking wasn't a total surprise," coach Mike Tolkin said of last week's loss to Tonga.

"Defence was not as sharp as it was versus Romania.

As we knew, a very different dynamic was coming at us and when we leaked around the rucks and where we left holes we paid the price in lost real estate and gave them what we didn't want to: momentum."

Players to watch:

For Fiji: You don't have to look much further than barnstorming midfielder Nemani Nadolo, who was so devastating against Wales last week. Captain Akapusi Qera also have a vital role to play.

For the United States: Wing Takudzwa Ngwenya is one of the Eagles who can match the Fijians for pace, while captain Todd Clever will have to dig deep into his reservoir of experience.

Head to head: Fijian centre Nemani Nadolo is sure to test the defence of US Eagles rival Thretton Palamo. Locks Tevita Cavubati (Fiji) and Greg Peterson (US Eagles) are key to the battle for possession in the set pieces.

Recent results:

1998: Fiji won 18-9, Suva

1999: United States won 25-14, San Francisco

2000: Fiji won 37-21, Apia

2003: Fiji won 19-18, Brisbane (World Cup pool match)

2013: Fiji won 35-10, Nagoya

Prediction: This could be an entertaining affair, as both teams have the ability to play an entertaining brand. However, Fiji are more dangerous in an unstructured environment and should take this game by 10 to 15 points.

Teams:

Fiji: 15 Timoci Nagusa, 14 Watisoni Votu, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Nemani Nadolo, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Henry Seniloli, 8 Masi Matadigo, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Akapusi Qera (captain), 5 Tevita Cavubati, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 1 Peni Ravai.

Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Isei Colatei, 18 Tanielo Koroi, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 21 Nemia Kenatale, 22 Jonetani Ralulu, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu.

United States: 15 Ronald McLean, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Seamus Kelly, 12 Thretton Palamo, 11 Tim Stanfill, 10 Shalom Suniula, 9 Mike Petri, 8 Todd Clever (captain), 7 John Quill, 6 Scott LaValla, 5 Greg Peterson, 4 John Cullen, 3 Mate Moeakiola, 2 Phil Thiel, 1 Olive Kilifi.

Replacements: 16 Tom Coolican, 17 Nick Wallace, 18 Benjamin Tarr, 19 Matt Trouville, 20 Kyle Sumsion, 21 Roland Suniula, 22 Andrew Suniula, 23 Tim Maupin.

Date: Friday, November 21

Venue: Stade De La Rabine, Vannes

Kick-off: 19.00 (18.00 GMT; 13.00 American Eastern time; 07.00 Saturday, November 22 Fiji time)

Expected weather: Warmer with periods of sun. High of 16°C and a low of 11°C

Referee: Johnny Lacey (Ireland)

Assistant referees: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Gary Conway (Ireland)

TMO: Iain Ramage (Scotland)

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