LOCK Luke Charteris has warned that Fiji won't just head to the Millennium Stadium for a chuckabout this afternoon – Wales must stand firm against the Islanders' power game.

The 31-year-old former Newport Gwent Dragons captain returns to the Test arena in Cardiff after sitting out last week's galling 33-28 loss to Australia.

He will provide some grunt up front against a Fiji team also aiming to hit back after a 40-15 defeat to France in Marseille.

The visitors have strengthened their side for the trip to Cardiff, bolstering their backs with Crusaders powerhouse Nemani Nadolo, Leicester try machine Vereniki Goneva, Ospreys ace Josh Matavesi and wings Asaeli Tikoirotuma and Waisae Nayacalevu, of Harlequins and Stade Francais respectively.

The image of Fiji is one of sevens-loving speedsters but, while they do boast plenty of elusive runners, Charteris says they won't be a soft touch up front.

"Most top teams have a Fijian in their side and they are often the main strike threats and are the ones you look out for," said Charteris.

"Put all them in one team and they can be dangerous but Fiji are very good up front as well and showed how much they have improved against France.

"They have so many boys playing in the Top 14, the Guinness Pro12 and Aviva Premiership so it's no longer a case of them being tough for 20 minutes and then being run over.

"They were unlucky with the scoreline against the French because it was close at 50 minutes and could have gone either way.

"We are under no illusions about how tough it's going to be."

Charteris missed out against the Wallabies after a deal was struck with Racing Metro to release him for their game against Bayonne so that he can feature against South Africa outside of the IRB's Test window.

He played an hour in the 27-10 win against Bayonne and now joins forces with Bradley Davies as they attempt to earn a spot against the All Blacks after Jake Ball and Alun Wyn Jones were partnered against the Aussies.

Charteris said: "Competition in the second row has always been very strong and it's no exception this year.

"The boys did well last week so it's a good opportunity this weekend for me and Brad to go out there together and try and force our way in for the New Zealand game."