Fiji send warning to Kear's troops

Fiji captain Lote Tuqiri has warned England that qualification for the knockout stages of the Lincoln World Cup will be no formality.

John Kear's men meet the Pacific Islanders in their final Group One match in Leeds tomorrow needing just a point to clinch a return to Headingley a week later for a likely quarter-final clash with Ireland.

The Fijians not only need to create the biggest upset in World Cup history, by defeating the hosts, but need to win by 43 points to pip England for the runners-up spot behind Australia.

It looks a foregone conclusion but Brisbane Broncos winger Tuqiri insists his side can improve considerably on their 46-0 defeat by England in the 1995 tournament.

"We have a chance and are not here just to make up the numbers," he said. "It will be a good game because it will decide who finishes second and third in the group."

Wales face a Millennium Stadium mauling at the hands of second favourites New Zealand - who beat the Cook Islands 84-10 last night - on Sunday unless they can raise their game to a new level.

That has to be the conclusion drawn from last night's unconvincing 24-22 victory over Lebanon in Llanelli.

Wales led 18-0 and 24-10, but Lebanon twice staged determined fight-backs.

Fortunately for Wales, captain Iestyn Harris produced a world-class performance, steering his team into the last eight by scoring two tries and creating three others.

Harris said: "There is a bit of pressure off us now that we are through to the quarterfinals, but we are not too happy about this performance."