His first instinct was one of panic. Sims feared a catastrophe but needn’t have worried. It was simply a reminder that the team’s church service would begin in 30 minutes.

I’m a big man and I like my sleep, Sims said.

I thought something major must have happened because everyone was banging on the doors … nearly kicking the doors in.

Sims is a Catholic, although his trips to church are infrequent. That has changed dramatically while in camp with Fiji. The team travels with two pastors and attends services twice a day.

They sing hymns before and after training as well as games. Vision of the entire side and coaching staff standing in a circle, their arms around each other while singing their hearts out, has been one of the enduring images of this World Cup.

That faith has helped the side move into a semi-final against Australia on Sunday at the Sydney Football Stadium. If Fiji is to win, it will require a miracle of biblical proportions.

There’s massive camaraderie, Sims said.

The local guys are really, really religious. For me personally it’s very therapeutic.

In Fiji, a country where rugby union rules, the Bati are big news. The front page of yesterday’s Fiji Daily Post screamed “Go Bati” while the Fiji Sun labelled Sims and his team-mates “History Makers”.

In the lead-up to the Ireland game interest reached fever pitch, stripping Fiji’s pay-TV network of all its satellite dishes.

In the aftermath of that win, the team’s hotel was inundated with emails and faxes.

Fiji has really got behind us, Sims said.

Everyone is really excited. Morale is really high. We have had a lot of support in Fiji.

Many of the players, a mix of local Fijians, park footballers and those on the fringe of NRL, will return home as conquering heroes regardless of the outcome of Sunday night’s game. They will also enjoy a financial windfall given the side is guaranteed $300,000 just for making the semi-finals.

For Sims, on a lucrative contract at the Broncos, money is not a significant issue. For others, it is a precious commodity. Team management has been organising $15 “all you can eat” meals so players can save their daily allowance.

Should they find a way past Australia, further riches await. Not that Sims has entertained the thought.

Obviously, I think they’re red-hot at the moment and they’re the best team in the world by far, he said.

We just have to keep playing how we’re playing and hope for the best.