The Wallabies will play Fiji in their tournament opener in Sapporo on Saturday, taking the first step along what they hope will be the road to ending a 20-year drought.

Coach Michael Cheika has picked 13 World Cup rookies in his game day squad for the first match against an unpredictable Fijian side, which boasts former NRL star Semi Radradra.

Optimism has been tempered by the disappointing Test results of the past two years, leaving Wallabies fans unsure about Australia's chances of reclaiming the William Webb Ellis trophy.

"We're very confident," said prop Allan Alaalatoa. "It all started in the build up after the last World Cup.

"We're going to knuckle down and make sure we leave no stone unturned. We have to treat every game like a grand final and that's what we're going to do.

'We have to make sure we prepare ourselves to be in the best state mentally and physically to enjoy every moment along the way."

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Christian Lealiifano added: "We want to go to the next level. It's going to take a lot of sacrifice ... it's all about what we can do to take our game to a new level and make Australians proud of rugby."

Alaalatoa will be making his World Cup debut and is one of six ACT Brumbies players in the game-day squad.

He will team up with Scott Sio in the front row, forming a prop combination 28 years after their dads played together in almost exactly the same positions for Samoa at the 1991 World Cup.

"It's pretty special for our families. Dad got emotional when I told him [I was selected]," Alaalatoa said.

"Scotty and I have grown up together, we obviously have a close relationship. To continue that at the World Cup is huge."

Sio played at his first World Cup four years ago and has been a mainstay of the Wallabies forward pack since making his international debut as a 21-year-old.

"It's pretty special [to be picked with Alaalatoa]. I think back [in 1991] our dads were competing for the same spot, luckily for me decided to play tighthead," Sio grinned. "It's an honour and a privilege to run out alongside him this weekend in our World Cup opener."

WORLD CUP

Saturday: Wallabies v Fiji at Sapporo Dome, 2.45pm.

Wallabies: 15. Kurtley Beale, 14. Reece Hodge, 13. James O'Connor, 12. Samu Kerevi, 11. Marika Koroibete, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 9. Nic White, 8. Isi Naisarani, 7. Michael Hooper (capt), 6. David Pocock, 5. Rory Arnold, 4. Izack Rodda, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 2. Tolu Latu, 1. Scott Sio. Reserves: 16. Jordan Uelese, 17. James Slipper, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Adam Coleman, 19. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20. Will Genia, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Dane Haylett-Petty. Coach: Michael Cheika

Fiji: 1. Campese Maafu, 2. Sam Matasevi, 3. Peni Ravai, 4. Tevita Cavubati, 5. Leone Nakarawa, 6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), 7. Peceli Yato, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Semi Radradra, 12. Levani Botia, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 14. Josua Tuisova, 15. Kini Murimurivalu. Reserves: 16. Veremalua Vugakoto, 17. Eroni Mawi, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Tevita Ratuva, 20. Mosese Voka, 21. Nikola Matawalu, 22. Alivereti Veitokani, 23. Vereniki Goneva. Coach: John McKee