NIKO Matawalu says Fiji left the Millennium Stadium believing anything can happen when they return to Cardiff in the World Cup next year, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Islanders were edged out 17-13 by Wales but won the second half 7-0 despite playing most of it with 14 men following prop Campese Ma'afu's dismissal.

The teams meet again in the capital on October 1 in the tricky Pool A of the World Cup and livewire Glasgow scrum-half Matawalu says more preparation time can help Fiji in their bid to repeat their famous 2007 upset.

"We only had a short time together before the France game (at the start of the autumn Tests) and then a week before this game, but when we were down to 14 men we never gave up. All the boys put their hands up until the last whistle," he said.

"We are in the death pool with England, Australia, Wales and Uruguay. We have only had two weeks, if we can have a month together that can make a difference.

"I can tell after this performance that anything can happen, we were a man down for this game, but we weren't in 2007. It will be a different level, but any team can beat any team."

Matawalu was one of the star performers for a Fijian side that boasts stars from the Guinness Pro12, Aviva Premiership, Top 14 and Super Rugby.

They left the field after a lap of honour while Wales traipsed to their changing room after their uninspiring win.

"Wales looked to play with a lot of width, but I thought we closed a lot of the space for them," said Matawalu.

"I studied Mike Phillips a lot, he tries to attack the fringes and is an expert player that I look up to but I closed down his strengths and it was a good game for me."