Howley: Wales focused on Fiji

Wales will virtually be guaranteed of their place in the last eight without kicking a ball should Samoa fail to pick up a point against world champions South Africa on Friday.

And with Ireland having shocked Australia in their pool, an all home union encounter is on the card.

However assistant coach Howley claims Wales are looking solely at beating Fiji on Sunday to secure their place in knockout stages.

"In terms of the big picture, we will be quite strong on Sunday afternoon," he said.

"It's just about not getting ahead of yourself.

"Sunday is our next game. If it's a good game, then we can look ahead to the quarter-finals.

"We are in good shape. I think we're really well conditioned. I think it's just about going out again on Sunday and nailing those opportunities."

Wales know only too well of the threat posed by Fiji, with the South Sea islanders having knocked them out for the 2007 tournament and then recorded a 16-16 draw at the Millennium Stadium 10 months ago.

And although Fiji have lost to both South Africa and Samoa, Howley knows they are capable of causing an upset on their day.

"Against Fiji, it is important that you play field position. In the first 25 minutes last Sunday, Samoa showed how you should really play Fiji," he added.

"I think everyone can turn up for international games and put a performance in, and that is what Fiji did back in the autumn series last year.

"When you look at the world-class players they have and their ability to play rugby, their offloading skills and their momentum, they are very good rugby players.

"It keeps your feet on the ground having had that experience back in the autumn series. It's not a bad thing, in terms of the Welsh psyche.

"Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and we think we are better than we are. But we realise how good this Fiji side are, and they showed that (in November)."