Wales defeated Fiji 39-24 in their Nations Championship opener at Cardiff City Stadium, with Jac Morgan scoring twice and being named player of the match. The result gave Wales consecutive international wins for the first time in three years.
Fiji produced long spells of dangerous attacking rugby and scored through Pita Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutaumada, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula added nine points from the tee. Wales, however, were more efficient in decisive moments, adding tries from Rhys Carre, Josh Adams, Ryan Elias and Eddie James after Morgan’s first-half double.
A major theme was Wales’ set-piece control. Three of their six tries came from driving mauls, underlining how Steve Tandy’s side turned structure and forward pressure into points even when Fiji were threatening with ball in hand.
The match also carried unusual context: it was officially a Fiji home fixture staged in Wales because Fiji currently lack a stadium meeting Nations Championship criteria. The reported crowd of 16,456, plus the recent WRU-player match-fee dispute, gives editors a wider discussion point beyond the scoreline.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Sign in / Register