Furner praises Fiji
FIJI
As in 1995, the Fijians have drawn the short straw by being paired in the same group as England and Australia, but there the similarities to five years ago.
The Batis' preparations will have undoubtedly suffered amid the background of political unrest in their homeland, and there were calls, most notably from Australia, for the team to be banned from the tournament.
That of course did not happen and Fiji will arrive determined to show the world – and especially the Kangaroos – they are worthy of their place.
Coached by the legendary Australian Don Furner, Fiji will have to perform a sporting miracle if they are to reach the quarter-finals as one of the top two teams in group one.
But regardless of whether they make it to last eight, the Fijian tradition of playing open and attractive rugby should ensure their group games are among the most entertaining of the tournament.
That's not to say Fiji won't cause problems for both England and even the Aussies.
Furner's squad is blessed with pace and power throughout and can score tries from any position on the park.
Although most of the squad will be unknown to fans on these shores, former Sheffield Eagles star Waisale Sovatabua – who starred in the Eagles famous Challenge Cup win over Wigan in 1998 – will be a familiar face, while Brisbane Broncos winger Lote Tuqiri is undoubtedly the jewel in Fiji's crown.
The Batis face Russia in their opener – a match they are expected to win – before taking on the Aussies in what should be a highly-charged and potentially explosive encounter at Gateshead's International Stadium.
Colourful, entertaining and at times no doubt fiercesome, rugby league fans will take the Batis to heart, however brief their stay.