England should be wary of Fiji Rugby World Cup upset, warns Sir Ian McGeechan

By Duncan Bech

Published: 10:36 EST, 10 September 2015 | Updated: 11:16 EST, 10 September 2015

Sir Ian McGeechan's experience of coaching Fijians on a golf course has offered him an insight into the danger posed by England's opponents in their World Cup opener on Friday week.

McGeechan presided over Scotland's tour to New Zealand in 1990, three months after masterminding the nation's last Grand Slam, and it was during the return home that he worked with players he considers the most naturally gifted in the sport.

'We travelled back to Scotland via Fiji and stayed in a hotel there. The hotel asked if I'd coach their team for a few sessions, so I said I would,' said McGeechan, the four-time head coach of the British and Irish Lions.

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Fiji next Friday at Twickenham

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Fiji next Friday at Twickenham

The Fiji team line up for a team photo during the welcome ceremony at Hampton Court Palace

The Fiji team line up for a team photo during the welcome ceremony at Hampton Court Palace

Fiji captain Akapusi Qera pictured outside Hampton Court Palace in south west London

Fiji captain Akapusi Qera pictured outside Hampton Court Palace in south west London

'They closed the 17th and 18th fairways on the golf course so we could train on them. There were all these Japanese golfers wondering what was happening, asking, "why can't we play the 17th and 18th?"

'But the skill they showed....they were doing structured moves while running through bunkers and they still got it right. Their running and handling skills are just so natural.

'And they're big. And they're physical. If you give them space, say goodbye because you won't get a second chance.'

'Of all the teams, if Fiji get through five or six phases, then they are the most dangerous in the world.'

Sir Ian McGeechan has warned England that Fiji are capable of causing an upset in the opener

Sir Ian McGeechan has warned England that Fiji are capable of causing an upset in the opener

Fiji's arrival at Twickenham on September 18 will launch the 2015 World Cup and although they are not expected to qualify from an impossibly tight pool that also includes Wales and Australia, they are capable of causing an upset.

McGeechan insists that upset could come at the expense of England.

'Fiji are the dark horses of the group. They can no doubt play, but the question is whether they have got the game in them to beat a big team. I think they have,' McGeechan said.

Stuart Lancaster watches his side train at Pennyhil Park this week ahead of the clash

Stuart Lancaster watches his side train at Pennyhil Park this week ahead of the clash

'They have some exciting players and a talisman on the wing Nemani Nadolo, who can kick the goals as well. It's not whether they can do it but if they can do it consistently.

'It's a banana skin for England. I've coached in Fiji, the Queen's a big thing there and the honour of playing the opening game will mean a hell of a lot to them. So will they be up for it? You bet.'

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