Frank Lomani has been around the national rugby team to know what is the biggest motivation for the players to perform on the international level.
The halfback, who is playing in his second Rugby World Cup, says it is knowing that they have the support of the people back home which drives them on.
The 27-year-old says before each game, the players are reminded to give their all for the fans.
“The support from the people back home is something important to the team, especially their prayers,” he said.
“At times we struggle on the field but it is knowing the strong support of the people back home that pushes us on.
“Every time before a game, our skipper would remind us of those back home that wake up in the early hours of the morning just to watch us. About those in the highlands who go to great lengths to get a reception on their TV just to watch us. It is those little things that motivate us before we play. To all the families back in Fiji, thank you for your support, your prayers for the players.”
Lomani and the team will need all the support they can get when they face Portugal in Toulouse on Monday.
A win will see the side progress to the quarter-finals of the competition where they are likely to face England.
Meanwhile, Portugal and Fiji have met twice before, Os Lobos being beaten in both in Lisbon.
Fiji won the first game in 2005, 26-17, and improved on that margin in the second game in 2013 winning 36-13.
