Wales
29
Match Complete
Fiji
17
| R. Patchell |  | 69 | ||
| L. Williams |  | 68 | ||
| J. Adams | | 60 | ||
| R. Patchell |  | 57 | ||
| 53 | | |||
| D. Biggar | | 31 | ||
| J. Adams | | 30 | ||
| D. Biggar | | 19 | ||
| J. Adams | | 17 | ||
| 8 | | K. Murimurivalu | ||
| 3 | | J. Tuisova |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 3 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Wales can confirm their spot in the quarter-finals and virtually assure top spot in Pool D with a win over Fiji. Join The Roar from 8:45pm (AEDT) for live scores and coverage this clash.
Wales have done the hard work in their epic win over the Wallabies. Results against Fiji and Uruguay in their final group games will ensure they face the team finishing second in Pool C, either France or England.
For Fiji, this tournament has been a struggle. They started well against Australia but fell away and lost.
Then they suffered an embarrassing loss to Uruguay. They restored some pride with a rampaging win over Georgia.
Upsetting the Welsh here would be a huge shot in the arm and restore some faith in the island nation.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has made two back-row changes from the team that edged the Aussies.
James Davies comes in at openside flanker for the rested Justin Tipuric while Ross Moriarty replaces Aaron Wainwright, who drops to the bench.
Davies joins older brother Jonathan Davies in the same Wales starting side for a second time and the first occasion in a World Cup.
The duo become the third pair of Welsh brothers to play in a World Cup game.
Moriarty lines up at number 8 while Josh Navidi switches to blindside flanker.
Saracens prop Rhys Carre is the other change with Nicky Smith dropping out of the squad. Dan Biggar is back in after suffering a head knock in the win over Australia.
Fiji have made one change to the side that flogged Georgia with number 8 Viliame Mata replacing Peceli Yato, who returns to the bench.
Prediction
This should be an open and entertaining battle, with Fiji able to throw caution at the wind and go for it. Ultimately, Wales should have too much in the tank for them.
Wales to win by 16 points.
Join The Roar from 8:45pm (AEDT) for the play by play.
Game information
When: 7.45pm (AEST)
Where: Oita, Japan
TV: Fox Sports
Betting: Wales $1.09, Draw $41, Fiji $8
Wales: L Williams; North, Jonathan Davies, Parkes, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; Wyn Jones, Owens, Francis, Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (C), Navidi, James Davies, Moriarty. Replacements: Carre, Dee, Lewis, Shingler, Wainwright, T Williams, Patchell, Watkin.
Fiji: Murimurivalu; Tuisova, Nayacalevu, Botia, Radradra; Volavola, Lomani; Ma’afu, S Matavesi, Saulo, Cavubati, Nakarawa, Waqaniburotu (C), Kunatani, Mata. Replacements: Dolokoto, Mawi, Ravai, Ratuniyarawa, Yato, Matawalu, Vatubua, J Matavesi.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
Fair enough, I thought that 3rd try was later, misremembered.
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
Mostly agree with that, but Wales scored their third try (the Jonathon Davies break and offload to Adams in the corner) in the 61st minute - that was a key period, they were down a player, but just about managed to keep control enough. If I remember right they won the 10 minute spell when James Davies was in the bin (52-62 minute) 10-7
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Drew, all that seems fair enough, and yes a coach of course does not wish any player to have a shocker. But I would draw a line here: “much like Cheika not really planning on Foley having such a poor game against Wales” Some coaches have evidence they take note of. There are also other types of coaches.
Drew
Roar Rookie
I think he looked particularly off. Really lacked some urgency at some points. Actually wondered if he might have come into the game not right. I'd have to look at the squad, but Alivereti Veitokani was pretty good for the Dura in the NRC and was in the 7's squad. Not sure if he'd make the step up to International or not, but I think on this night any other option wouldn't have been worth considering. In McKee's defence it did look like an off night for Volavola, much like Cheika not really planning on Foley having such a poor game against Wales. It happens sometimes.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
If I was going to break the game up, I'd give Fiji the first 20, Wales the second 20, Fiji the next 27 (up until the phantom penalty for tackling on the ground) and Wales the last 13. Wales' two periods of dominance were in the first half when Fiji were a man down and Wales were able to stretch them, and the last 10 mins when they were able to manufacture a couple of nice tries.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Drew, I think this issue is on McKee. For selection of Ben VV. There surely is a craftier game manager with a boot in Fiji? VV looked like he was on a promise to someone off field to not get too involved with contact.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
We know it now Sarge. Don’t worry riddler. Your secret is safe with us.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Not just whining. Looked more like harassing. Penalty on half way for that sort of disrespect for mine.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
They have a good Kiwi coach Thugby
Connor33
Guest
There was a YC against red No. 7 2 minutes before the penalty try. Folks seemed to be wound up in that, rather ha the YC that should have also been applied for the penalty try. Heck, I’ve even seen referees Yc are player when a try is cored and advantage has been applied. I don’t know why this has not been picked up because Fiji could well have won the game playing against 13.
Jamez
Roar Rookie
Only thing NH have going for them, are thier refs, oh wait...... :laughing:
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
They've had a battering today, but now have 10 days until the quarterfinal. They play Uruguay on Sunday, but expect key players to be rested for that. I expect Owens to be cited and miss a couple of games at least. Bigger is key, that's a lot of punishment for one head to take in a week. AWJ looked off the pace today, don't know if that's fatigue, maybe needs a rest. Jonathon Davies also a key man, likely to be rested if there's any doubt there.
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
I reckon i’d love to be playing Wales In the quarter finals after that game, they are going to take some time to recover, .. Fiji went so hard in defense and battered the Welsh almost into submission. They picked up some injuries too.
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
Wales are very tough to beat. Not many people would tip them to win it, but not many teams would pick them as preferred opponents in the knock-out stages.
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
Yup, there are a lot of absolutely top class players in that Fiji team, but Semi is another level
Mungbean74
Roar Rookie
For Fiji that would be great, but could they guarantee a full list of their stars? It might be a way of keeping their stars and any up and comers in their system. Fingers crossed for them. And for Japan too. How good is Semi? I hope rugby can keep him.
Stu
Roar Rookie
Dunno, but I hear he doesn't get on with the opposition players too well.. thinks Kerevi's a pain in the neck! :laughing:
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
So, the Nations Championship appears to be dead, at least for now. But given that that's the case, should the Rugby Championship expand anyway to include Japan & Fiji?
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
Yeah that's nonsense. Fantastic game, Fiji were great but no way your can say they were clearly better. Very even in many areas, Wales were a more professional & streetwise, and also a little lucky - Owens could well have seen red.
In brief
Guest
Exactly- how do you improve discipline when you can’t control arbitrary referee interpretations?