Fiji to hold their own on the handicap

South Africa have managed to fluke the easiest quarter-final draw. It is this perception, however, that could well see their undoing against Fiji. Now I'm not suggesting that the Pacific Island nation are suddenly going to spring the biggest surprise in World Cup history, but on the handicap, Fiji look capable of staying within Paddy Power's and Victor Chandler's 36 -point head start. The thing about Fiji is that they like scoring tries. When underdogs get on the score sheet, it naturally becomes more difficult for the bigger teams to cover these monster handicaps. We saw how much of a lather Wales got themselves into when they lost 38-34 in Nantes last weekend. Despite losing 55-12 against the Wallabies in their Pool B encounter, Fiji still managed to register two tries, and with this being a quarter-final and all, South Africa are going to have to put in the game of their lives to successfully climb this points mountain. And what motivation will they have to do that anyway? Jake White has been stressing all tournament that it is the results that count, and not the performance. Fiji put out a weakened side against the Aussies in their pool clash, but this will be Fiji's strongest team, and they need no more motivation in this match. This is only Fiji's second quarter-final in their history and they will want to make the most of it. What's more, the stories emanating out of their island of fan's travails to watch the games is heart-breaking and this will add further fuel to their fire. It's a tricky decision that the Fijians have now that veteran fly-half Nicky Little is out of the tournament. Do they play young tyro Waisea Luveniyaliin as fly-half, or do they line up with centre Seremaia Bai. Whoever they decide to go with, either player should have enough control to see their side through with the start. Verdict: 2pts Fiji +36 @ 10/11 (Paddy Power, VCBet)