Outsiders before the tournament, the Fijians announced themselves as potential semi-finalists with a 42-6 trouncing of France at Wollongong's WIN Stadium, scoring seven tries to one in a breathtaking performance.

''We're here to compete. We're not just here to make up the numbers,'' Dakuitoga said.

The win virtually guarantees the Fijians a place in the next phase of the tournament, a play-off for a semi-final berth against either Samoa or Ireland next week.

Fiji dazzled with a super-slick backline featuring some of the best movers in the NRL and it will prove a handful for opposition sides with its athleticism.

Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne was back to his best in scoring a double, Newcastle's Akuila Uate was outstanding, scoring three tries, and captain Wes Naiqama was solid.

While it has a thrilling backline, Fiji is relying on a no-frills forward pack with players from little-known country teams like the Parkes Spacemen, Milton-Ulladulla Bulldogs and Terrigal Sharks.

Saturday's 36-point thrashing means France is out of the running for a finals berth and coach John Monie said the country needed another team in the English Super League if it was to remain competitive at international level.

The majority of the French side is made up of players from Super League's Catalans Dragons. Toulouse will play in the second-tier National League One next season. AAP