Fiji 15's rugby coach Ilivasi Tabua said the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup will set a good platform for his team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Tabua said this is the championship where he can test the local players and see who all can take up the challenge to reach the Test status and excel at the Rugby World Cup in four years time.

Meanwhile Fiji will open their Pacific Nations Cup campaign against Samoa on June 7 at Lautoka's Churchill Park.

Then on June 14 they take on the New Zealand Maori at the Post Fiji stadium. Fiji will then play their remaining three matches away from home.

On June 22, then face Japan in Tokyo and then takes on Australia A at Ballymore, Brisbane on June 29 before playing their final match against Tonga in Nuku'alofa on July 5th.