Wales flu bug worry

To compound the problem, captain Gareth Thomas was struck down with what coach Gareth Jenkins pinpointed as 'sniffles'.

However, as a number of other players were also sniffling more than normal, the fear was that an outbreak of flu had hit the Welsh camp at just the wrong moment.

Jenkins insisted that there was no significant problem and that everyone would be fine.

Nevertheless, he will have gone to bed hoping that any prescribed medication works its magic, as he needs every player to be physically fit and mentally sharp for this evening's do-or-die encounter at Stade de la Beaujoire.

If Wales are to secure a quarter-final date with South Africa, they must overcome a strategic conundrum. All their instincts are to play to their strengths and send the ball wide on what is likely to be a dry surface but that approach would also play into Fiji's hands.

Ilie Tabua's team have the pace and flair to exploit a broken-field game by counterattacking to devastating effect.

That is why fly half legend Barry John has argued that Shane Williams should be left out, unthinkable as it may seem.

By throwing everything they have at the Fijians, Wales could leave themselves exposed to a flurry of sucker punches.

Unpredictability is the other weapon that captain Mosese Rauluni and his team-mates have at their disposal.

The scrum half's Saracens colleague, Nicky Little, used a tropical image yesterday to explain that none of the players know what to expect from themselves. They may be off-colour, or they may be untouchable.

"We never know whether we'll be asleep under a coconut tree or rowing a boat," he said. "We will just have to wait and see."

Not many pointers for Wales there, but Tabua was more obliging. Asked which area Fiji will target, he was remarkably candid.

"Wales are strong in the forwards so we will look to attack them in midfield, between No 10 and No 12," he said. "We've got nothing to lose. Anything is possible."

Yet, his optimism is at odds with the old maxim that possession is nine-tenths of the law in rugby.

Fiji have a dysfunctional lineout and providing Rees is in a fit state to start, he should pick out Alun-Wyn Jones and Ian Evans with comparative ease.

Chris Horsman's presence is likely to ensure Welsh command of the scrum and the back-row axis of Martyn Williams and Colin Charvis can expect to dominate the break-down area.

All that remains is for Wales to find the balance between an overly gung-ho approach and the sort of aimless kicking game that would present Fiji's turbo-charged back three with a chance to run in wide open spaces.

With two conductors in the side, Stephen Jones and James Hook, the Dragons should be able to identify the right time to change gear in attack.

Centre Tom Shanklin admitted yesterday: "We know it's all or nothing for us, but we are trying to relax."

If they manage to do so, they will win.

WALES: G Thomas (capt); M Jones, T Shanklin, J Hook, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Rees, C Horsman, A-W Jones, I Evans, C Charvis, A Popham, M Williams. Subs: R Thomas, D Jones, I Gough, M Owen, M Phillips, J Robinson, D James.

Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia).

TV: ITV1, 3.45 (kick-off 4.0).