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Wales edge Fiji in all-time Rugby World Cup classic
Wales have sent a message to their Rugby World Cup rivals as they kicked off their campaign with a tough 32-26 win over Fiji in Bordeaux.
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Fiji had a chance to win it at the death, too, but history will remember Wales as the victors of this all-time classic World Cup clash.
Coach Warren Gatland recently told reporters that Wales was “in a good place” going into the sports showpiece event, but many fans continued to doubt the perceived fallen giant.
Now ranked 10th in the world after a disastrous run of three wins from 13 Tests, the Welsh players needed to give their supporters something positive to believe in.
An almighty sea of red flooded Stade de Bordeaux with thousands of Welsh supporters hoping for yet another Warren Gatland masterclass at a World Cup.
Wales weren’t expected to win. Fiji entered the World Cup on the back of a famous win over England at Twickenham last month, and were tipped by many to even top the group.
But Wales let their rugby do the talking.
The crowd let out a deafening cheer as Fiji playmaker Tei Tela got the Test underway at 9.02pm. After so much talk, hype and speculation, the players had their moment.
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It was Wales who struck first, though, with flyhalf Dan Biggar nailing his first penalty attempt of the night in just the second minute.
Leading 3-nil, Wales piled on more points soon after with wing Josh Adams crossing in the corner.
Much to the delight of the majority in attendance, veteran centre George North sliced through Fiji’s defence in the lead-up to the score. Wales had plenty of front-foot ball and looked solid as they spread the ball wide for the outside back to score.
Wales were in control and they looked very comfortable in pole position.
But the game was flipped on its head in almost an instant. Telea stepped up and nailed a penalty to cut down Wales’ lead, but the best of the Flying Fijians was yet to come.
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Out of nowhere, centre Waisea Nayacalevu scored a brilliant try after collecting the ball on the bounce. But that effort, as incredible as it was, was outdone soon after.
Fiji went back-to-back in quick succession – and it all started with the man of the moment, Waisea Nayacalevu. The try-scorer linked up with midfielder partner Semi Radradra, who in turn threw an offload to flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu.
Following the successful conversion, almost suddenly, Fiji were ahead 14-8. The Test had taken a sharp turn in an exciting direction.
Even with their slow start, Fiji somewhat dominated the opening quarter of the Test with 63% of possession and a 74% advantage in the territory battle – but they only led by six.
Wales made Fiji pay for their failure to make the most of their attacking pressure with George North crossing under the sticks after about 30 minutes as the lead changed again.
Towards the end of the half, chants of “Fiji, Fiji, Fiji” echoed throughout the stadium as the Pacific Island nation edged closer and closer to Wales’ try line. But they came up short.
Later in the half, with about a minute before the break, Fiji were in an eerily similar position inside the Welsh 22. But once again, they couldn’t turn their pressure into points.
Crisis averted for Wales as they took a slender 18-14 lead into the half-time break.
The opening exchanges of the second term were always going to be crucial. Both teams were in the fight, but only one of them could emerge victorious.
It was there for the taking, and Gatland’s Wales were good enough to take it.
Tries to wing Louis Rees-Zammit and replacement Elliot Dee saw Wales take control with a commanding 32-14 lead with less than 15 minutes to play.
Fiji had the last laugh, but time waits for no one.
Tries to Josua Tuisova and Peni Ravai gave the Flying Fijians a glimmer of hope, but Wales did enough to hold on for a crucial win.
Semi Radradra had a chance to score after the bell, too, but the world-class outside centre dropped the ball cold with the try-line in sight. It wasn’t to be for Fiji.
Comments on RugbyPass
Karl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
8 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments“While Sotutu should start at No.8 for the All Blacks against England, but it’s only in that arena that he can prove just how good he really is.” And that my friends is where simply hasnt shone despite multiple opportunities. Even in this performance you can see what did him in in the test arena..he almost always still runs at the opposition almost ramrod upright making him easier to stop than it should be.
8 Go to commentsShould have been 0-0 and a message from SR CEO to both teams - “don’t worry about turning up next year”.
4 Go to commentsGreat work Owen Franks. A great of this team, scoring his first try for the Crusaders since 2010.He was beaming, justifiably. A fine win, he and the rest did the job up front.
1 Go to comments