Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui named his squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup ahead of their warm-up matches against France and England.

The high-flying Fijians beat Japan 35-12 over the weekend in Tokyo. This was their third straight Test win after beating Tonga and Samoa in the weeks before.

Because of this, they are back in the top 10 of the World Rugby rankings for the first time since 2019.

But they will face tougher tests on August 19 in Nantes against the World Cup hosts, France, and a week later in Twickenham against England.

Fiji’s first game at the World Cup will be on September 10 in Bordeaux against Wales. They will also play Australia, Georgia, and Portugal in Pool C.

“We’ve had an amazing build-up,” Raiwalui said.

“We got to try different combinations against Tonga, Samoa and Japan and were able to come away with victories.

“We have been good in patches and played well. Our fitness has come a long way, but we still haven’t put a game together for the full 80 minutes.

“Now we have huge challenges against France and England. We’ve taken it one challenge at a time, so next up is a very, very good French team.”

Raiwalui has chosen Fijian Drua’s Teti Tela and Caleb Muntz as his first-choice fly-halves instead of Ben Volavola, who is an experienced player.

In this year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament, more than half of the team played for the Drua.

Raiwalui said that playing against the best teams in Australia and New Zealand helped raise the bar.

“The Drua boys being able to play Super Rugby has been a great opportunity for us and Fiji Rugby,” he added.

“It shows it’s working. We are in the second year of the Drua and I think we’re going to get better”.

Fiji squad for the Rugby World Cup from September 8-October 28:

Forwards:

Props: Eroni Mawi (Saracens/ENG), Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds/AUS), Jone Koroiduadua (Fijian Drua), Mesake Doge (Dragons/WAL), Luke Tagi (Provence Rugby/FRA), Samu Tawake (Fijian Drua)

Hookers: Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua), Sam Matavesi (Northampton Saints/ENG), Zuriel Togiatama (Fijian Drua)

Locks: Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua), Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon/FRA), Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (Fijian Drua), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester/ENG), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Pau/FRA)

Back row: Levani Botia (Stade Rochelais/FRA), Vilive Miramira (Fijian Drua), Meli Derenalagi (Fijian Drua), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh Rugby/SCO)

Backs:

Scrum-halves: Frank Lomani (Fijian Drua), Simione Kuruvoli (Fijian Drua), Peni Matawalu (Fijian Drua)

Fly-halves: Caleb Muntz (Fijian Drua), Teti Tela (Fijian Drua)

Centres: Josua Tuisova (Racing 92/FRA), Semi Radradra (Bristol Bears/ENG), Waisea Nayacalevu (Toulon/FRA, captain), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Fijian Drua), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne/FRA), Iosefo Masi (Fijian Drua)

Wings: Vinaya Habosi (Fijian Drua), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon/FRA)

Full-back: Ilaisa Droasese (Fijian Drua), Selestino Ravutaumada (Fijian Drua)