Impressed forward Ashton Sims believes a pumped Fiji have enough raw talent to test their more fancied French rivals in Saturday night's World Cup clash at Wollongong's WIN Stadium.

Two-time runners-up France opened their quest for a World Cup semi-final with a 36-18 win over Scotland while the Fijians were back home in Suva preparing for their first game this weekend.

"We were a bit scratchy when we first came together but everyone is sitting on the same page now," said Sims.

"There's a lot of raw talent here and the base to produce some very good players."

Sims said the players left Fiji feeling they had the whole Pacific nation behind them.

"It really feels like we've got the whole country behind us," said the Broncos forward who has helped with the crash course to prepare teammates for the big game.

"We met with the high chief over there and he gave us his blessing and we're getting e-mails passed onto us from Fiji supporters."

France, who have played 38 World Cup matches to Fiji's six, can advance to the semi-finals with a win on Saturday night.

But experienced coach John Monie is aware the Fijians will be pumped up to play the game of their lives.

"Their backs look outstanding," said Monie.

"I think that's where they will come at us.

"I think they'll have a go at us on the edges or out wide. They've got some individual talent with Super League and NRL players and I'm sure they'll have a go at us one on one.

Captain Jerome Guisset, who scored two tries against Scotland, said his players were aware of Fiji's speed and their ability to off-load the ball in any situation.

"They're big and strong and very dangerous and we will have to limit their possession and keep the game tight."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP