Goneva confident of upsetting Habana-less Boks

The 27-year-old scored four tries in Fiji's opening Pool D match against Namibia - the first time he had scored four in a match - and was looking forward to taking on one of the world's best wingers.

But a knee injury has ruled out the Springboks flyer, denying Goneva, who plays for French second division club Tarbes, the chance.

"He's a big name so I am disappointed because I wanted to play against him. He is a good player and I want to play against the best," he said.

His efforts against Namibia have certainly brought some confidence to him and his team.

While they all acknowledge the tough task that awaits them at Wellington Regional Stadium they have no intention of going into their shells just because they are playing the defending world champions.

"Nothing is impossible. We just have to stick to our game plan and work together. I think we can win," declared Goneva.

It was a sentiment echoed by his coach Sam Domoni who has made three changes in the pack from the one that started against the African minnows.

Sunia Koto comes in at hooker for Viliame Veikoso, while Akapusi Qera and Sakiusa Matadigo have been preferred to Mala Ravulo and Netani Edward Talei in the loose forwards.

"We respect (South Africa) but it doesn't limit our expectations of what we're capable of executing on Saturday," said Domoni.

"We certainly wouldn't approach (the match) in the Welsh direction. We'll approach it from our point of view and we've seen a few things, a few weaknesses that we can expose. I can guarantee it should be a good, exciting game."

Captain Deacon Manu said the injuries to key Springboks players Victor Matfield, Jean de Villiers and Habana would not change the approach of the Fijians.

"In some ways it's irrelevant," the Llanelli Scarlets prop said. "Their 30-man squad has strength and depth. You look at the people that are replacing them and they've come off some pretty strong seasons for their club."

"I know they are missing some of their main players that they have gone to in the past."

"But the guys that have stepped up thoroughly deserve to be there and are great players in their own right.

"In terms of preparing for the game it's not going to make much of a difference for us. We still need to make sure that we are firing on all cylinders if we want to challenge them."

Fiji: 1. Campese Ma'afu, 2.Sunia Koto, 3. Deacon Manu (capt), 4. Leone Nakarawa, 5. Wame Lewaravu, 6. Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 7. Akapusi Qera, 8. Sakiusa Matadigo, 9. Nemia Kenatale, 10. Waisea Sedre Luveniyali, 11. Naipolioni Nalaga, 12. Seremaia Bai, 13. Gaby Lovobalavu, 14. Vereniki Goneva, 15. Kini Murimurivalu.

Replacements: 16. Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapati, 17. Waisea Nailago, 18. Netani Edward Talei, 19. Sisa Koyamaibole, 20. Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21. Nicky Little, 22. Ravai Susau Fatiaki.