Wales Eye Place In Final | Thebigtip

Wales are hopeful that they can make it to the Rugby World Cup final this year – the first time in their history.

But it will be a tough ask, with the likes of holders South Africa, former champions Australia and rivals Ireland all standing in their way.

Their first task, however, is to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition by qualifying from their tricky Pool D group.

Since the narrow opening match defeat to South Africa, the Welsh have asserted their authority over opposition to prove that they are the number two team in their group.

Despite this, they will know the dangers that opponents Fiji present going into this weekend's game, with the islanders determined to cause an upset and reach the quarter-final instead of Wales.

If anything, this game will rekindle memories of one horrifying afternoon in Nantes, north-western France.

Those in a Wales Jersey found themselves in a similar situation to this year, knowing only a victory would do in their pursuit of group qualification.

To their dismay, the Fijians sprung one of the upsets of the tournament, dumping their illustrious rivals out of the World Cup with a 38-34 victory.

The Welsh were only able to draw with Fiji back in November 2010, when they met at the Millennium Stadium, and assistant coach, Rob Howley has warned of that happening again.

"I think everyone can turn up on international games and put a performance in,” Howley said. And that's what Fiji did back in the autumn series.”

Fiji captain Deacon Manu said of the Welsh: "They will bring a lot of energy, enthusiasm and determination. We just want to have fun."

Qualification looks almost within their grasp, and a win against Fiji on Sunday at the Waikato Stadium would all but secure their passage to the knock-out stages.