Fiji Player Biographies

Following are brief biographies of the Fijian World Cup squad (ages correct at start of tournament):

BRAD JOHNSTONE (coach). Age 49. A former All Black captain and a highly respected figure in world rugby. A highly experienced coach who has also had stints in Australia and Italy, he has played a central role in transforming Fiji's success in sevens to the 15-man game. After failing to qualify for the 1995 World Cup, he helped Fiji secure their spot this time by preaching the need for discipline as well as encouraging players to retain their traditional flair.

ALFRED ULUINAYAU. Fullback. Age 29. 1.70m. 90kg. Caps: 16. Former All Black trialist in his Auckland days, now based in Japan. A versatile back, 'Alfie' took over the number 15 jersey when Jonetani Waqa tore an Achilles tendon in April. Quick to join the attack. Deceptively strong and hard in the tackle, he also possesses a safe pair of hands and a reliable boot.

FERO LASAGAVIBAU. Wing. Age 23. 1.75m. 76kg. Caps: 14. Top-class winger with lightning reactions and quick change of direction -- interceptions are his speciality. Scores virtually a try a game for Fiji. A top schoolboy sprinter, Fero was a member of the triumphant 1997 World Cup Sevens team. Also played at Hong Kong this year. Previously based at Northland in New Zealand but recently returned to Fiji to play for Nadroga.

IMANUELI TIKO. Wing. Age 25. 1.80m. 87kg. Caps: Six. Unemployed. A find from last year's tour of Britain. Had played just two games for his province before he was selected for Fiji. An opportunist try scorer with great acceleration who has run in seven tries in his last six internationals.

MARIKA VUNIBAKA. Wing. Age 24. 1.88m. 90kg. Caps: Four. Self-employed. A sevens specialist and one of the fastest players in the world, debuted at 15s in this year's Pacific Rim. Top try scorer at 1997 Sevens World Cup and this year in Hong Kong. Lacks experience but still very dangerous. Scored seven tries in one sevens match for the UK Penguins against Wasps. Has the chance to move to Canterbury in New Zealand for next year's Super 12.

MANASA BARI. Wing. Age 25. 1.82m. 85kg. Caps: Seven. Former soccer player with exceptional acceleration. First appeared for Fiji at the 1994 Hong Kong Sevens. Player of the Tournament at 1996 Japan Sevens when he scored three tries in the final against New Zealand in the 61-5 thrashing. Signed for Otago Highlanders to play Super 12 in 1997, but injuries and weight gain left him sidelined.

WAISAKE SOTUTU. Centre. Age 28. 1.85m. 100kg. Caps: Six. Fiji's backline organiser and talker. Defensively very strong, bringing vital experience. Made debut against Canada in this year's Pac Rim, but was badly missed later against Samoa when the Samoans ran in four tries in the opening 25 minutes. Played six years with Auckland including one season as most valuable player. Cut from final All Black squad for 1995 World Cup. Now based in Japan.

LAWRENCE LITTLE. Centre. Age 31 (32 on October 24). 1.76m. 85kg. Caps: 11. Tireless player with much experience and good defensive skills. Younger brother of former All Black Walter Little. First played for Fiji against the New Zealand Divisional XV in 1995 and has since been a regular member of the enlarged squad.

MELI NAKAUTA. Centre. Age 29 (30 on October 13). 1.86m. 93kg. Caps: Six. Made his international debut last year in the 51-26 whipping of Scotland, been on the fringe ever since. Fiji's depth in the backline has limited his appearances this year. Picked up valuable experience from playing in Australia, including some Super 12 action with New South Wales.

VILIAME SATALA. Centre. Age 27. 1.85m. 90kg. Caps: Seven. Fiji's trump card. First played sevens at Hong Kong in 1994, but only entered the 15s picture on last year's tour to UK. Possesses a useful arrogance when running with the ball, back straight, chest out. Has good bursts of speed and a wicked sidestep -- as veteran All Black Walter Little found out in February when Satala jinxed around him for two superb solo tries against The Chiefs. Brimming with confidence -- a key man for Fiji's World Cup campaign.

TABAI MATSON. Centre. Age 26. 1.75m. 76kg. Caps: One. Matson made an unexpected appearance for New Zealand on their tour of Italy and France in 1995 when, while following the tour as a spectator, he was called up to cover for an injured player. He also toured South Africa with the All Blacks in 1996 but didn't play a test. He became eligible to represent Fiji in June this year, making his debut against Uruguay in last month's European tour.

NICKY LITTLE. Flyhalf. Age 23. 1.83m. 94kg. Caps: 21. Johnstone's first-choice number 10. Solid in defence with a good tactical boot. Nephew of team mate Lawrence and veteran All Black Walter. New Zealand-based, plenty of experience and calm under pressure.

WAISALE SEREVI. Flyhalf. Age 31. 15 caps. 1.78m. 80kg. Caps: 15. Probably the best sevens player of all time. Serevi made his international 15s debut in 1988 in the Super Six competition and debuted at the Hong Kong Sevens one year later. He holds an unparalleled record at sevens with five Hong Kong titles and one World Cup to his name, along with a record three player-of-the-tournament awards. At 15s, his vision and ingenuity with ball in hand make him a most dangerous opponent. Could be used as an impact player.

JACOB RAULUNI. Scrumhalf. Age 27. 1.78m. 88kg. Caps: 18. Second-string half for Queensland Reds in the Super 12. Speedy re-cycler with excellent vision. Strong, fast and committed in the tackle. Played for Australian schoolboys and colts before choosing Fiji. Earned first cap against Canada in 1995.

MOSESE RAULUNI. Scrumhalf. Age 24. 1.78m. 80kg. Caps: Four. Younger brother and understudy of Jacob at club and national level. Deceptively strong for his size, a real terrier. Recycles quickly and accurately. Surprise late pick over Sami Rabaka.

KOLI SEWABU. Number eight. Age 24. 1.90m. 103kg. Caps: Six. Was based in New Zealand while studying, now back in Fiji. Another find of the UK tour 1998. Earned his first full cap against Canada in May, has been first choice since. One of the fittest players in the squad.

INOKE MALE. Number eight. Age 36. 1.88m. 102kg. Caps: Six. Strong, determined loose forward who plays his rugby with a smile. Forced his way into the squad with a good showing for the Fiji Warriors against the New Zealand Maoris in late July.

SETAREKI TAWAKE. Flanker. Age 32. 1.90m. 94kg. Caps: 39. Very experienced, rugged loose forward that used to play regular sevens. As an army man, missed 1997 World Cup Sevens because of peacekeeping duties with the United Nations. First appeared for Fiji in 1992.

ILIVASI TABUA. Flanker. Age 35. 1.95m. 100kg. Caps: 14 (plus 10 for Australia). Former Wallaby, nicknamed the 'Human Skewer' because of the way he spears opponents while driving forward. Played at 1995 World Cup for Australia and for Australian Sevens World Cup team in 1993. Brings valuable experience.

ALIFERETI MOCELUTU. Flanker. Age 28. 1.86m. 109kg. Caps: 20. Powerful loose forward that sees plenty of ball in set pieces. Made his debut in 1994, recently forced his way back after missing the Pacific Rim championship. One of four Japan-based players in the squad.

ALIFERETI DOVIVERATA. Flanker. Age 23. 1.88m. 93kg. Caps: One. Insurance officer. Former sevens player who benefitted from Setareki Tawake's injury before the Italy tour last month, filling in then taking the squad place of Jope Tuikabe who broke his thumb. Has a big future, according to Johnstone.

SIMON RAIWALUI. Lock. Age 25. 1.99m. 115kg. Caps 17. Given captain's armband in Greg Smith's absence. Recently joined Newport in Wales after two seasons with Manchester Sale, where he was player of the year in his debut season. Holds New Zealand passport, played for Australian schoolboys but says he always considered himself Fijian. Useful weight in the pack, fully committed in the loose.

APISAI NAEVO. Lock. Age 26. 1.95. 105kg. Caps: 14. Skilful and versatile forward who locks for the Waikato Chiefs in the Super 12. Based in New Zealand since 1995, played for Auckland Blues in 1998. Made Fiji debut in 1996 on tour of New Zealand. Good workrate and reliable in defence and attack.

IFEREIMI TAWAKE. Lock. Age 37. 1.92m. 98kg. Caps: 39. Driver. Very experienced forward who debuted for Fiji in 1985 and played in 1991 World Cup. Intelligent jumper with the tactical insight to organise set pieces. Respected leader who may make appearances off the bench.

EMORI KATALAU. Lock. Age 32. 1.97m. 96kg. Caps: 22. Nicknamed 'Skylab' for his lineout prowess. Slimly built, he makes an ideal jumper and plays a key role. Gained experience with Northshore in New Zealand before returning to Fiji.

JOELI VEITAYAKI. Prop. Age 32. 1.92m. 138kg. Caps: 22. Experienced heavyweight who excites the crowd with his powerful charges. First played for Fiji in 1994 and played this year in the Auckland Blues back-up squad.

NIKO QORO. Prop. Age 30. 1.80m. 115kg. Caps: 10. Self-employed. Now established as regular starter in front row opposite Veitayaki. An injury to Dan Rouse earlier this year opened the gate and he has held his place since. Twin brother Sikeli Nasau also plays prop but failed to make the final squad.

EPELI NAITUIVAU. Prop. Age 33. 1.82m. 115kg. Caps: 18. One of three survivors from the 1991 World Cup squad (with Waisale Serevi and Ifereimi Tawake). Recently recalled to squad after two-year absence. Naituivau was previously a soldier with the Fijian army.

DANIEL ROUSE. Prop. Age 27. 1.89m. 118kg. Caps: 18. Self-employed. First choice before back injury in February. Played for Loughborough University and Harlequins in England before returning to Fiji to take over family business. Made debut in 1995.

GREG SMITH (captain). Hooker. Age 25. 1.81m. 98kg. Physicist. Captain for three seasons. Leads by example. No-nonsense hooker who plays for The Waikato Chiefs in the Super 12. Termed by Johnstone as 'a tough little bugger.' Essential figure in set pieces. Keeps team mates calm when the pressure mounts.

ISAIA RASILA. Hooker. Age 30. 1.80m. 96kg. Caps: 18. Farmer. Regular stand-in for Greg Smith. Has played provincial rugby in Fiji since 1989 and made his debut in the 1992 Super Six competition. Unlikely to see any action in the World Cup.

Reuters contributed to this report.