Wales v Fiji LIVE: Rugby World Cup result and reaction as Wales cling on for victory in Bordeaux
Wales put aside a disappointing year of results to hang on and edge Fiji 32-26 in a thriller on Sunday to give themselves every chance of advancing to the quarter-finals at the Rugby World Cup.
It might have only been their opening game in Pool C but the contest against the Fijians was seen as key to Wales’ hopes in the tournament in France offering them redemption after losing six of eight internationals in 2023, and breathing life into a beleaguered squad. Victory was almost stolen at the end by the Pacific islanders who were seeking to fight back from an 18-point deficit and could have completed an unlikely comeback but they knocked on with the tryline at their mercy.
Both teams scored four tries in a game full of line breaks, exciting running and bruising clashes that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, especially at the end as Fiji fought back from 32-14 down. Josh Adams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and Elliot Dee crossed over for Wales with Dan Biggar adding two penalties and three conversions while Waisea Nayacalevu, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Josua Tuisova and Mesake Doge were Fiji’s try scorers.
Relive all the action and the reaction from the Bordeaux below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds and the latest tips and odds here:
Wales vs Fiji
REPORT: Wales edge out Fiji in nerve-shredding World Cup thriller in Bordeaux
FULL-TIME: Wales 32-26 Fiji
TRY! Wales 32-26 Fiji, (Doge, 79 mins)
TRY! Wales 32-21 Fiji, (Tuisova, 73 mins)
TRY! Wales 32-14 Fiji, (Dee, 66 mins)
TRY! Wales 25-14 Fiji, (Rees-Zammit, 48 mins)
TRY! Wales 18-14 Fiji, (North, 29 mins)
PENALTY! Wales 11-14 Fiji, (Biggar 24 mins)
TRY! Wales 8-14 Fiji (Tagitagivalu, 18 mins)
TRY! Wales 8-7 Fiji (Nayacalevu, 14 mins)
TRY! WALES 8-0 FIJI (Adams, 8 mins)
PENALTY! WALES 3-0 FIJI, (Biggar, 3 mins)
Gatland sees little wrong with Biggar’s blast at North
06:59 , Lawrence Ostlere
Wales coach Warren Gatland said he saw little wrong with Dan Biggar’s outburst at team mate George North during Sunday’s thrilling 32-26 victory over Fiji in their Pool C opener at the Rugby World Cup.
Flyhalf Biggar gestured to the stands and berated North for not kicking the ball into touch to bring on the halftime break when Wales were under pressure in their own 22 and holding a narrow 18-14 lead.
“I didn’t have a problem with it. It’s about making people accountable,” said Gatland.
“There’s nothing wrong with players in terms of challenging each other. We want that as part of the group so that everyone is accountable.
“For me, that peer pressure is huge in terms of that and taking responsibility. Those sort of criticism aren’t personal. We talk about it being a point of care.
“It’s about the team getting better and individuals getting better because we need to be comfortable with being critical.”
Until next time
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:38 , Ben Fleming
Next up for Wales is a clash with Portugal which takes place on Saturday 16th. Fiji must regroup quickly as they face another huge game against Australia next Sunday, September 17th.
Wales edge out Fiji in nerve-shredding World Cup thriller in Bordeaux
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:33 , Ben Fleming
Wales held their nerve in a frantic and pulsating Rugby World Cup clash to beat Fiji 32-26 and put themselves on course for the quarter-finals.
Fiji were expected to provide ferocious opposition in Bordeaux, and they did not disappoint, but Wales ultimately claimed a fourth successive World Cup win against them in nerve-shredding fashion.
It was tense throughout, especially when Fiji scored twice in the last seven minutes and Wales had to dig deep during a frenzied finale when Fiji centre Semi Radradra knocked on close to the line in the game’s last play.
Warren Gatland’s team ultimately prevailed through tries from Josh Adams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and Elliot Dee, with fly-half Dan Biggar adding two penalties and three conversions in a bonus-point success watched by Welsh Rugby Union patron the Prince of Wales.
Read the full match report below:
Wales edge out Fiji in nerve-shredding World Cup thriller in Bordeaux
Wales head coach, Warren Gatland speaking after the game
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:29 , Ben Fleming
“Delighted with the win but frustrated with the last 15 minutes. We’ll need a thorough review to have a look at that but we just made some dumb decisions on certain things in terms of discipline and penalties when we were in control of the game.
“That’s the disappointing aspect but delighted about the win. We are that are still building so there will be a lot of learnings from today and I think we’ll get better as the tournament goes on.
“We’ve spoken about the issues that happened in the Six Nations. The time that we had together as a squad has been invaluable in terms of preparation. That’s been a real plus.”
Welsh captain, Jac Morgan speaking after the game:
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:23 , Ben Fleming
“I thought it was a great game. We dug in deep in that first half when our discipline let us down as well as a couple of errors. We let Fiji into the game and full credit - when they have ball in hand they put a lot of pressure on us. But the boys dug deep, especially in our defensive efforts.
On the defensive display at the end: “We can take a lot of pride in that. We dug in deep and we stuck together. We knew they were going to keep on coming and we just had to keep defending and working hard for each other.”
FULL-TIME: Wales 32-26 Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:16 , Ben Fleming
The contrasting emotions at full-time. Nick Tompkins celebrates, while Semi Radradra looks on at the bouncing ball that evaded him in the final moments of the game:
FULL-TIME: Wales 32-26 Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:09 , Ben Fleming
The Welsh players celebrate as the Fijians sink to their knees. They put on a stellar display and a brilliant fightback late on but they’ve just fallen short.
FULL-TIME: Wales 32-26 Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:02 , Ben Fleming
Wales survive.
Just.
Fiji pour players forward with the final play of the game, sending the Welsh defence left and right as they go in search of the winning try.
The Welsh defence is at sixes and sevens as the ball goes out to Radradra on the left wing with acres of space ahead of him...but it’s knocked on! The bouncing ball isn’t controlled and with that the full-time whistle goes.
Somehow, some way Wales have survived for a massive opening-week win against Fiji.
Wales 32-26 Fiji, 80 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:01 , Ben Fleming
The clock goes red but on they play. Liam Williams’ kick goes out on the full and Fiji have a lineout and another chance to move up the pitch.
TRY! Wales 32-26 Fiji, (Doge, 79 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 22:00 , Ben Fleming
The pressure tells again and Fiji have another! From the penalty, Doge crashes over from close range and this time it’s given. The conversion is missed so the the deficit is six.
A minute remaining to find another try...
Wales 32-21 Fiji, 77 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:56 , Ben Fleming
No try! The Fiji players have their hands on their heads, the boos ring out from this partisan crowd but the try isn’t given.
A penalty for Fiji on the five-yard line instead. Can they regroup and find a score again to give themselves a chance at a late victory?
Wales 32-21 Fiji, 76 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:54 , Ben Fleming
Wales take their time with the restart as a chorus of boos ring out from the crowd in Bordeaux. When play does get back underway, it’s Fiji on the attack again.
And now they think they’ve got it over again! We head to TMO...
TRY! Wales 32-21 Fiji, (Tuisova, 73 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:50 , Ben Fleming
The perfect response to that Welsh yellow card from Fiji as they dominate at the scrum. After a series of re-set scrums, they send it through the hands and it’s Tuisova who goes over to get a much-needed score.
The deficit back to 11 with seven minutes remaining.
YELLOW CARD! Wales 32-14 Fiji, (Domachowski, 68 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:45 , Ben Fleming
Wales have the man advantage for a matter of moments as Domachowski departs for a ten-minute sin bin. Wales were still on a warning after their slew of infringements as Fiji attacked a few minutes earlier.
Domachowski’s offside is the last straw and punished with a yellow card. Sloppy from Wales and perhaps a small window of opportunity for Fiji.
TRY! Wales 32-14 Fiji, (Dee, 66 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:42 , Ben Fleming
Right after the yellow card, Wales have another try. They go back to the rolling maul and this one comes off as Elliot Dee crashes over the line for a huge bonus-point try to put further daylight between them and Fiji.
Biggar converts to add the extra two. A massive few moments for Galtand’s side having survived that Fijian onslaught just moments ago.
YELLOW CARD! Wales 25-14 Fiji, (Tagitagivalu, 65 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:39 , Ben Fleming
Now it’s Wales on the attack as Tagitagivalu goes into the sin bin for pulling down the maul on the Fijian try line.
Wales 25-14 Fiji, 62 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:35 , Ben Fleming
A final warning for the Welsh players as the penalty infringes continue to mount.
More dogged defence and, in the end, they are rewarded as Botia spills the ball over the tryline after a tackle from Rowlands as Fiji look for that elusive third try to get them back into the game.
Huge defence from Wales who maintain their 11-point lead with just under 20 minutes go.
Wales 25-14 Fiji, 60 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:31 , Ben Fleming
As expected, Fiji do hit back as they close in on the Welsh line. They think they’ve gone over before the ref drags it back for a penalty. It’s taken quickly as they continue to hammer away at the Welsh tryline.
Another penalty coming and the pressure continues...
Wales 25-14 Fiji, 55 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:26 , Ben Fleming
Some minor concern for the men in red now as Biggar hobbles around. The fly-half is able to continue for now though. You suspect he’ll need more than a little knock to drag him off this pitch tonight.
Wales 25-14 Fiji, 53 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:22 , Ben Fleming
The Welsh fans are in fine voice inside this stadium after that score. They recognise just how valuable that try was. The perfect platform but Fiji will not go quietly, that is for sure.
Those cheers get even louder moments later after a thumping tackle from Adams on Ravutaumada. The bench are off their feet to celebrate the tackle as well - that was some hit!
TRY! Wales 25-14 Fiji, (Rees-Zammit, 48 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:19 , Ben Fleming
Fiji can’t stop Rees-Zammit this time! Tompkins makes the burst through the middle of the park and Adams is fed the ball down the left. They can’t find a way over initially but it’s a cross-field kick from the unlikely boot of flanker Jac Morgan.
The Fijian defence can’t fully keep a hold of the kick, allowing the Welsh winger to steal the loose ball and burst over the line for the huge first score of this second half!
Biggar makes the conversion to give Wales a nice lead.
Wales 18-14 Fiji, 45 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:15 , Ben Fleming
A huge tackle from the retreating Fijian defence to deny Rees-Zammit as the winger looks to make a dart from the line. Fiji win the penalty and they can clear it up the pitch.
PENALTY MISSED! Wales 18-14 Fiji, 42 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:10 , Ben Fleming
But the chance goes begging! A rare miss from Wales’ fly-half as he pushes his effort right of the posts. The lead remains just four.
Wales 18-14 Fiji, 41 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 21:09 , Ben Fleming
Back under way and it’s the perfect start for Wales as they win an early penalty and have the chance to establish a seven-point lead.
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:59 , Ben Fleming
HALF-TIME: Wales 18-14 Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:54 , Ben Fleming
A late chance for Fiji as they opt for the corner with a penalty. Wales do enough to stall the momentum of the maul as Fiji look to run it through the hands.
The ball runs loose and Wales can gather. There’s a bit of confusion amongst the Welsh ranks who look to pass the ball out rather than simply clear but, in the end, the ball is dropped and the half-time whistle goes.
Dan Biggar is fuming at the rest of his backs for not simply clearing the ball but Wales survive and they lead at the break.
Wales 18-14 Fiji, 37 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:50 , Ben Fleming
There’s another job for TMO after Gareth Davies is caught with a high tackle by Ravutaumada. The scrum-half fell slightly into the tackle and that serves as a mitigating factor to help the Fijian winger.
Just the penalty as Davies heads off for a head injury assessment.
Wales 18-14 Fiji, 35 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:45 , Ben Fleming
No try! Fiji look to hit back straight away as they build phases in and around the Welsh line. Eroni Mawi thinks he’s gone over from close range but replays show that the prop lost control as he looked to touch the ball down and the try doesn’t stand after a TMO check.
TRY! Wales 18-14 Fiji, (North, 30 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:37 , Ben Fleming
A real back-and-forth encounter but it’s Wales who are back ahead now as North goes over! The centre picks a superb line and bursts through the Fijian defence right in front of the posts.
They’ve been the better side since the drinks break and a sustained period of pressure is rewarded after they turn down the opportunity of three points but are rewarded with seven after Biggar converts a simple conversion.
PENALTY! Wales 11-14 Fiji, (Biggar 24 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:30 , Ben Fleming
The perfect response after that drinks break for Wales, as a Fijian offside allows Biggar slots over the post for a much-needed three points to cut the deficit to just three.
A frantic start but Wales are still right in this contest.
Wales 8-14 Fiji, 20 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:26 , Ben Fleming
A drinks break arrives and it’s come at the perfect time for a shellshocked Welsh side who have to regroup and go again after that quickfire Fijian double.
TRY! Wales 8-14 Fiji (Tagitagivalu, 18 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:23 , Jack Rathborn
Twice in four minutes and the Fijians are ahead! It’s a free-flowing move that starts with Nayacalevu, the first try scorer.
Radradra receives the offload and bursts through the middle of the pitch. The inside centre draws in the defence before finding Tagitagivalu who surges over to fire Fiji into the lead.
TRY! Wales 8-7 Fiji (Nayacalevu, 14 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:18 , Ben Fleming
What a response from Fiji! They’ve threatened plenty during this opening 14 minutes and hit back straight away as Nayacalevu picks up a loose bouncing ball before crashing through the heart of the Welsh defence.
PENALTY MISSED! Wales 8-0 Fiji, 11 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:16 , Ben Fleming
A chance for Fiji to hit back immediately, but Tela can’t convert from the tee. Wales maintain their eight-point lead.
TRY! Wales 8-0 Fiji (Adams, 8 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:13 , Ben Fleming
What a start from Wales! Having survived that early scare from the Fiji maul, Wales have their first try of the game through Adams. North makes the break through the middle of the park and it’s clinically finished off by Adams when the ball finds him wide on the right!
Biggar can’t convert from out on the left but a great start nevertheless.
WALES 3-0 FIJI, 6 mins
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:10 , Ben Fleming
A bright start after that penalty but Wales concede a penalty shortly after and it’s pinned into the corner. Fiji try to get the rolling maul going but it’s well defended by Wales as they eventually win a penalty and can clear.
PENALTY! WALES 3-0 FIJI, (Biggar, 3 mins)
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:07 , Ben Fleming
The perfect start for Wales as Rowlands does well at the breakdown to win an early penalty. Dan Biggar steps up and makes no mistake, slotting over the posts to get Wales up and running with an early three points.
KICK-OFF: WALES 0-0 FIJI
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:03 , Ben Fleming
National anthems sung, Fiji’s Cibi performed, and we are ready to go and underway in Bordeaux!
Rugby World Cup 2023: Wales vs Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 20:00 , Jack Rathborn
Kick-off coming up
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:57 , Ben Fleming
The players begin to make their way out of the dressing room and into the tunnel. A big game to close the opening weekend and a big game for both teams who will be looking to get their World Cup campaigns off and running with a win.
Finn Russell left bruised and beaten as Springboks blunt Scottish blade
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:50 , Ben Fleming
Finn Russell inspected his damaged ribs, poking at the Scottish sore spots. There were plenty to pick on a night where Gregor Townsend’s suffered a major World Cup blow, bodies and egos bruised as South Africa reminded their upstart opponents why they are the heavyweight champions of the world.
It had been billed as a classic clash of styles, Scotland hoping to duck and weave and land a few rapid strikes; the Springboks searching for haymakers. In fact, Scotland’s inaccuracy left them trying to match their opponents blow-for-blow - it was a fight they were never likely to win.
There will be talk of Scottish bravery in defeat but it is a World Cup tale told too many times before. Gregor Townsend’s side had arrived in Marseille talking in optimistic tones, knowing the stiffness of the task in front of them in a horror pool draw, but with confidence they had the game to mix it with the big boys.
In an encounter where absolute accuracy was surely the demand, Scotland lacked precision. Skipper Jamie Ritchie match eve rallying cry was of a desire to play the “fastest rugby in the world” but a bitty game suited the Springboks, short of their best but still too strong, blunting Russell’s blade with a fine defensive performance to get their title defence off to a solid start.
Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s report from South Africa’s win against Scotland at the Stade Velodrome earlier:
Finn Russell left bruised and beaten as Springboks blunt Scottish blade
Wales vs Fiji line-ups
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:43 , Ben Fleming
Fiji have named Teti Tela to start at fly half in the absence of the injured Caleb Muntz, who suffered a knee injury in training and was forced to withdraw from the squad. Muntz had been a talisman in recent games and the 32-year-old Tela will have a big task to match his impact.
The centre pairing of Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu will pose a serious test to the Welsh midfield, while the experienced Frank Lomani starts at scrum half and winger Selestino Ravutaumada will hope to reprise the electric running that took England apart in Fiji’s maiden victory over them last month.
Wales vs Fiji line-ups
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:35 , Ben Fleming
Wales co-captain Dewi Lake doesn’t make the cut after recovering from a recent injury meaning Jac Morgan will lead the team on his own and Ryan Elias starts at hooker. Warren Gatland has named a dangerous-looking backline while Taulupe Faletau starts at No 8 despite missing all the warm-up games.
Wales vs Fiji line-ups
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:27 , Mike Jones
Wales XV: Liam Williams; Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Tomos Williams, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer.
Fiji XV: Ilaisa Droasese; Selestino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi; Teti Tela, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi; Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta; Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Viliame Mata
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesaki Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Levani Botia, Simione Kuruvoli, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala
How to watch Wales vs Fiji?
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:20 , Mike Jones
Wales vs Fiji is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 10 September at the Stade de Bordeaux.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Rugby World Cup on ITV 1, with coverage on the channel starting from 7.15 pm. The match is also available to online for free via the ITV X website and app.
George North still loving ‘wicked’ World Cup life on eve of fourth tournament
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:14 , Mike Jones
Wales centre George North will join an elite Rugby World Cup club when he runs out against opening opponents Fiji on Sunday.
It will be North’s fourth tournament, a feat achieved by only four other Welshmen in Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, Gareth Thomas and Stephen Jones.
And, at 31, he is showing no sign of slowing down, remaining a pivotal figure in head coach Warren Gatland’s plans.
George North still loving ‘wicked’ World Cup life on eve of fourth tournament
Wales on alert to Fiji threat
Sunday 10 September 2023 19:05 , Mike Jones
Wales have been put on alert to expect “lightning bolts” in their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji on Sunday.
It is the fifth-successive tournament for Wales and Fiji to meet, with Warren Gatland’s team on a run of three-consecutive wins.
Fiji, though, dumped Wales out of the 2007 World Cup following a thrilling clash in Nantes, while four years ago they led by 10 points before Wales recovered to prevail 29-17.
Fiji have improved their set-piece play considerably under head coach Simon Raiwalui, a dazzling running and off-loading game remains central to their outlook.
Wales on alert to expect ‘lightning bolts’ in World Cup opener against Fiji
George Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:56 , Mike Jones
After months of toil and trouble, it took a Marseille cauldron for England to find their magic brew. It may not prove the elixir of Rugby World Cup life but on a night that threatened disaster after Tom Curry’s third-minute sending off at a bubbling Stade Velodrome, England came to the boil.
The win was an odd concoction, a convincing final margin even with Argentina scoring the encounter’s only try two minutes from time. It was a night for leaders, and England’s stood up. Courtney Lawes led the defensive effort, Manu Tuilagi and Maro Itoje were back to their best. But it was George Ford, playing the pragmatist, who took control to kick England to a faith-restoring victory.
Ford’s 27 points came from nine strikes of his right boot, three drop goals, six from the tee. English fly halves tend to enjoy the World Cup stage, and Ford’s performance here was a display of command, correctness and clarity. Not all ills are cured, clearly, but how England needed this sort of showing, their fire finally burning in the south of France heat.
Ford plays the pragmatist as England finally come to the boil in Marseille cauldron
Tom Curry to find out suspension fate for Argentina red card on Tuesday
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:48 , Mike Jones
England flanker Tom Curry will learn the length of his suspension for his red card in Saturday’s World Cup win over Argentina on Tuesday.
Curry was sent off in the third minute after a dangerous challenge on Juan Cruz Mallia that resulted in his yellow card being upgraded to red by the bunker review system.
England overcame their adversity to produce an impressive 27-10 victory, with George Ford kicking all 27 points, and next face Japan in Nice on Sunday, but will be without Curry, who will attend a disciplinary hearing in Paris on Tuesday evening.
Tom Curry to find out suspension fate for Argentina red card on Tuesday
Warren Gatland insists Wales are heat-proof before sweltering showdown with Fiji
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:40 , Mike Jones
Warren Gatland has no doubt that Wales are fully conditioned for Bordeaux’s blistering heat as they aim to turn up the temeprature on Rugby World Cup opponents Fiji.
It is due to hit 36 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while not dropping much below 30 a day later despite a kick-off of 9pm local time.
Wales, though, look set to reap the benefits of punishing conditions at training camps in Switzerland and Turkey that formed a central part of their tournament warm-up.
Warren Gatland insists Wales are heat-proof before sweltering showdown with Fiji
Wales vs Fiji talking points
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:32 , Mike Jones
The Fiji magic men
Fiji’s set-piece game has undoubtedly improved under head coach Simon Raiwalui, but it is still an ability to cut teams apart through razor-sharp running angles and raw physical power that makes them such a threat.
Players like Semi Radradra and Viliami Mata can cause havoc with ridiculous ease, and there is no doubt that Wales could have their hands full defensively.
If Gatland’s team get on the front foot early, then they can boss the game tactically, yet that is far easier said than done against opponents who will fancy their chances of progressing from a pool that also includes Australia, Georgia and Portugal.
Wales vs Fiji talking points
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:25 , Mike Jones
Memories of 2011
There is an undoubted symmetry between the Wales World Cup squad that went to New Zealand in 2011 and the current crop of players. For 22-year-old skipper Sam Warburton, read current co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake – aged 23 and 24, respectively – while the new brigade this time around includes prospects like Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer and Mason Grady.
Twelve years ago, Ken Owens was at the start of his Test career, Faletau only had three caps and North just eight. Wales reached the semi-finals in that tournament – their best World Cup performance for 24 years – bowing out to France, and the same adventure of youth accompanies them this time, combined with vast experience offered by seven players with 70 caps or more.
Wales vs Fiji talking points
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:17 , Mike Jones
Warren Gatland’s pledge
Wales boss Warren Gatland probably surprised many rugby followers when he claimed ahead of the World Cup warm-up Tests: “I am telling you this team will do something pretty special (in France). I promise you now, we will surprise some people.”
Gatland is eight Tests into his second spell as head coach – Wales have lost six of those games – while headlines earlier this year were dominated by financial issues in Welsh professional rugby and player contractual problems that almost led to a full-blown strike.
Gatland, though, thrives amid adversity, and he has arrived at his fourth World Cup as Wales boss with a rejuvenated squad fit and firing following an intense build-up. Watch this space.
Wales vs Fiji talking points
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:10 , Mike Jones
Hundred-club key for Wales
The saying goes that you cannot buy experience, and such a commodity could prove priceless for Wales in the heat of Sunday’s battle.
It will be an occasion for cool heads and calm decision-making, so it should come as no surprise if the likes of George North, Dan Biggar and Taulupe Faletau make significant contributions. The cap centurions boast 323 Wales international appearances between them, with North among an elite band to feature in four World Cups.
It is Biggar’s swansong before he retires from international rugby, and number eight Faletau is back from an injury lay-off. They could hold the keys to victory.
Wales vs Fiji talking points
Sunday 10 September 2023 18:02 , Mike Jones
Familiar World Cup foes
Wales and Fiji will look to launch their campaigns with a momentum-generating victory. Since beating Wales in 2007 – a 38-34 success that meant a pool-stage exit for their opponents – Fiji have suffered three successive World Cup defeats.
Wales triumphed 66-0 at the 2011 World Cup, and although the two latest meetings were much closer contests, Warren Gatland’s team found a way to cross the finishing line.
Fiji are fresh from humbling England at Twickenham, while Wales have won only two Tests this year, setting up an encounter that should be full of twists and turns.
After year from hell, can Wales surprise at the Rugby World Cup?
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:54 , Mike Jones
Will this Rugby World Cup end up more like 2007 or 2011 for Wales?
Sixteen years ago, in France, a shock loss to Fiji precipitated a group-stage exit and an almost identical situation in the same location could well be on the cards here. Make no mistake, Sunday’s opening clash with Fiji will likely define Wales’s entire tournament.
Yet the optimists can look to what happened 12 years ago. A young Welsh side, with low expectations, dealt with the Fijian challenge in the pools, overperformed and made it all the way to the semi-finals. In fact, but for the most controversial red card handed out to Sam Warburton in the first half of that last-four clash, they would have made a first-ever Rugby World Cup final, rather than going down 9-8 to France.
After year from hell, can Wales surprise at the Rugby World Cup?
France under more scrutiny after England v Argentina fan chaos at Rugby World Cup
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:45 , Mike Jones
Rugby World Cup organisers have apologised to fans caught up in the chaotic scenes outside the Stade Velodrome before England’s match against Argentina on Saturday night.
Thousands of ticket holders missed the start of the Pool D opener because of the limited number of entry points and turnstiles, insufficient staffing levels and extensive security checks.
The weight of numbers led to crushes outside the ground and while organisers announced there were no incidents and all 63,118 seats were eventually taken, many supporters were concerned for their safety amid the potential for the situation to escalate.
France under more scrutiny after England v Argentina fan chaos at Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2023 TV schedule: Channels, times and how to watch every fixture online
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:36 , Mike Jones
The 2023 Rugby World Cup got underway on Friday 8 September as hosts France beat the mighty New Zealand in a compelling opener in Paris.
A lopsided draw means pools A and B are stacked with much of the world’s heavyweight nations and sees South Africa, Ireland and Scotland all fighting to qualify from the same group.
It also opens up a path for progress on the weaker side of the draw and means two of Wales, Australia, Fiji, England, Argentina and Japan are likely to reach the semi-finals.
Rugby World Cup 2023 on TV: Channels, times and how to watch every fixture online
Wales vs Fiji prediction
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:27 , Mike Jones
Buoyed on by their impressive win over England in the warm-ups, Fiji will give Wales a stern test with momentum fluctuating between both sides before Warren Gatland’s men edge themselves ahead in the second half.
Wales 21-18 Fiji
Wales vs Fiji line-ups
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:18 , Mike Jones
Wales XV: Liam Williams; Louis Rees-Zammit, George North, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Aaron Wainwright, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffell, Tomos Williams, Sam Costelow, Rio Dyer.
Fiji XV: Ilaisa Droasese; Selestino Ravutaumada, Waisea Nayacalevu, Semi Radradra, Vinaya Habosi; Teti Tela, Frank Lomani; Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Luke Tagi; Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta; Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Viliame Mata
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Mesaki Doge, Temo Mayanavanua, Levani Botia, Simione Kuruvoli, Josua Tuisova, Sireli Maqala
Wales vs Fiji team news
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:09 , Mike Jones
Wales co-captain Dewi Lake doesn’t make the cut after recovering from a recent injury meaning Jac Morgan will lead the team on his own and Ryan Elias starts at hooker. Warren Gatland has named a dangerous-looking backline while Taulupe Faletau starts at No 8 despite missing all the warm-up games.
Fiji have named Teti Tela to start at fly half in the absence of the injured Caleb Muntz, who suffered a knee injury in training and was forced to withdraw from the squad. Muntz had been a talisman in recent games and the 32-year-old Tela will have a big task to match his impact.
The centre pairing of Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu will pose a serious test to the Welsh midfield, while the experienced Frank Lomani starts at scrum half and winger Selestino Ravutaumada will hope to reprise the electric running that took England apart in Fiji’s maiden victory over them last month.
How to watch Wales vs Fiji?
Sunday 10 September 2023 17:00 , Mike Jones
Wales vs Fiji is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 10 September at the Stade de Bordeaux.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Rugby World Cup on ITV 1, with coverage on the channel starting from 7.15 pm. The match is also available to online for free via the ITV X website and app.
Wales on alert to Fiji threat
Saturday 9 September 2023 17:54 , Sonia Twigg
Wales have been put on alert to expect “lightning bolts” in their Rugby World Cup opener against Fiji on Sunday.
It is the fifth-successive tournament for Wales and Fiji to meet, with Warren Gatland’s team on a run of three-consecutive wins.
Fiji, though, dumped Wales out of the 2007 World Cup following a thrilling clash in Nantes, while four years ago they led by 10 points before Wales recovered to prevail 29-17.
Fiji have improved their set-piece play considerably under head coach Simon Raiwalui, a dazzling running and off-loading game remains central to their outlook.
Wales on alert to expect ‘lightning bolts’ in World Cup opener against Fiji
