AUSTRALIA and Fiji went through their final captain’s runs at Langtree Park this morning ahead of Saturday night’s landmark game at Saints.

With ticket sales breaking the five figure barrier and big crowd will provide the perfect backdrop for the battle of Group A’s undefeated sides.

Australia coach Tim Sheens expects plenty of blood, thunder and big hits from the Fijians, who will no doubt get a rousing backing from the locals.

Sheens said: “There will be the odd tackle that rocks the stadium but that is what World Cup football is all about.

“It has been shown by the Samoa v New Zealand game, and Fiji v Ireland – that there will be a lot of sore guys. Players are playing with lots of enthusiasm and people are enjoying that sort of footy at the moment.”

Australia make a few changes for the match, with Greg Inglis replacing Billy Slater at full back and Daly Cherry-Evans coming in at seven.

Sheens explained: “We needed to give everyone a game but we are still fielding a very strong side and have kept an experienced head there in skipper Cameron Smith.

"We have changed the centres and full back – but Greg Inglis has arguably been one of the better full backs in the NRL this year.

“We have some quality players coming into the side.

“Cherry –Evans is a quality player who has been in and around the squad for a couple of years and understands what is needed. He knows what is going on.

“We want Inglis to have a starring role but you will find that Billy Slater will be back at full back next week.

"We want to win this game on defence – we have plenty of challenges here - their flank is very strong with Uate already scoring three tries, their front row is big and interchange solid so they are going to come at us hard.

“Petero Civoniceva will be very keen to lead his team against us – he is a great ambassador for Fiji but our aim tomorrow is to punish him.

“Fiji is a good challenge for us."