WALES have never lost in seven games against Fiji since the South Sea islanders first graced our shores with their delightful brand of rugby back in 1964.

That is a trend which cannot possibly change at the Millennium Stadium today (4.30pm) as Wales embark on the second leg of their long haul to the World Cup in Australia next October.

The first step against Romania was, at best, unconvincing and, at worst, downright disappointing. A modest 40-3 scoreline against poor quality opposition bolstered to even that by two late tries.

Something much more commanding will need to be on show today because the All Blacks are looming in a fortnight even if they are well below full-strength.

The Fijian score some spectacular tries when they have the ball in their hands, as they prove so often in the sevens game that they enjoy so much.

Many of those scores were in evidence against Pontypool on Monday night, an ideal warm-up for the tourists ahead of the more serious business today.

The Fijians are bolstered by a couple of Welsh-based forwards in Newport captain Simon Raiwalui and Neath's Alfie Mocelutu.

They will know all about Welsh methods and how the opposition will approach it today - whether they can counter those tactics is another matter entirely though.

Wales will clearly attempt to dominate up front from an early stage, to establish some control and draw Fijian fire before it can do any damage to them.

The Wales front five were less than convincing against the Romanians, certainly lacking in the necessary physical presence.

Iestyn Thomas will improve the scrummaging, but whether Gareth Llewellyn will make a significant difference in the second row is open to question.

The back row has been given a much-needed injection of pace with the decision to go for specialist open and blind-side flankers in Cardiff captain Martyn Williams and Llanelli new boy Dafydd Jones.

Skipper Colin Charvis may not be an out-and-out number eight, but he has played there before, and the unit looks altogether more pacey than a week ago.

That is how it has to be for Wales as today's game is bound to be a bit fast and loose, and the Fijians are without some of their hard-nosed New Zealand-based players.

There is a sense of anticipation about the new centre partnership of Tom Shanklin and Sonny Parker which flourished in Wrexham last week.

They dovetailed nicely, both showing signs of their running ability, Shanklin making several piercing runs and Parker also elusive and forceful.

The continuing absence of Craig Morgan robs Wales of some real pace down the flank, though Hansen prefers to call his wings right and left full-back.

But Wales do possess an edge in their back three of Rhys Williams, Mark Jones and Gareth Thomas, who can inflict damage of their own.

And Stephen Jones, recalled in favour of Neil Jenkins, who made a surprise return against Romania, now has his chance to stake a claim for a place against the All Blacks, though Hansen claims he knows his side for that one already.

Jones will be opposed by another player with plenty of experience of British conditions. Nicky Little spent a year with Pontypridd and is now with Saracens.

And centre Seremaia Bai had a year with Cross Keys, so there is no shortage of that all-important experience of British conditions.

Fiji could well make it difficult for Wales. They are also building for the World Cup, having performed really well last time out from their base in France.

But anything other than a convincing Wales win would be unacceptable for Hansen, whatever gloss he would put on it.

And it is much the same for the Welsh fans as well, their interest waning by all the political posturing and blatant self interest now blighting the game.