John McKee hopes to see continued Fijian improvement against Uruguay

Fiji head coach John McKee insists the Pacific Island team have made substantial progress in a ferocious World Cup pool that should finally yield a victory when they face Uruguay in Milton Keynes on Tuesday night.

Defeats to England, Australia and Wales have stretched Fijian resources to their limits, but Fiji have found solace in knowing, had they not been drawn in a ludicrously tough pool, they may well have qualified for the quarter-finals in another pool on the back of this year's performances.

"When you look at the games we've played - three games in 13 days - it's a challenge for any team. From that point of view, I cannot fault the effort of the players," McKee said.

"We want to be serious challengers to these top nations. That was my main driver when I took this job that some time in the future or when I leave that Fiji can play anyone in the world.

"We are making a lot of progress, there are a lot of challenges ahead to make sure the next young crop of players are grounded in the skills needed at this level.

"The pleasant thing for me is that a lot of these players will be available for selection in 2019."

Uruguay, like Fiji, have also failed to win a match at England 2015, but as a team made up solely of semi-professionals, the South American side should prove easy prey for a Fijian side who have impressed mightily in this year’s competition with their free-flowing attacking play and improved set-piece.

"I have a lot of respect for Uruguay. They have come from a hard road to qualify for the World Cup. They've showed what a strong, passionate team they are," McKee said.

"We are a little familiar with them, having played them earlier in the year, albeit with locally-based players for us, so we understand their style of play."