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Kirwan backs Wales

Kirwan is backing Wales over Fiji

Beaten Japan coach John Kirwan believes Wales will be too "dangerous" for Fiji in their winner-takes-all World Cup Pool B showdown.

Wales must beat the Pacific islanders in Nantes to secure a place in the World Cup quarter-finals and a probable clash with South Africa.

After a stuttering start to the World Cup, Wales cut loose against Japan and scored 11 tries in a 72-18 victory at the Millennium Stadium.

Kirwan knows just how potent an attacking force Fiji can be after they pipped Japan 35-31 in a thriller earlier in the tournament.

"I think if Wales play like they did against us on Thursday night then they will go through," said Kirwan.

''When Wales get their offloads going and get over the gain-line they are a really dangerous side. Fiji will have to play really well just to compete.''

Japan put up a determined fight and led twice early in the first half but they could not live with Wales' pace as Gareth Jenkins' men accelerated away.

Kirwan was proud of his side's efforts, which included a real contender for try of the tournament when winger Kosuke Endo finished a brilliant 95-metre counter-attack.

''If we played like that against another nation we would have probably come out with a better score,'' said Kirwan.