A rugged 2024 continues for Warren Gatland’s men as they began their Autumn Nation Series with a record equalling 10th consecutive loss, as errors in the red zone proved costly.
It was a quick start to proceedings in the Welsh Capital as the hosts applied early pressure on the Fijian defence. However, after some heroic defending from the visitors, the ball was turned over, and pressure was relieved. Then, after Fiji were penalised for holding on, the ball was quickly spread to the outside, and Blaire Murray crossed over in the corner to break the deadlock on his debut. The visitors then added to the scoreboard shortly after, as the hosts were penalised for holding on, and Caleb Muntz slotted the three to reduce the deficit. Wales then looked to have scored their second through fullback Cam Winnett, but after a TMO check, Tommy Reffell was sent off for ten minutes after a dangerous clearout in the build-up to the try.
Moments later, Wales doubled their lead after referee Luc Ramos awarded the hosts a penalty try after Elia Canakaivata deliberately brought the maul down.
Fiji’s ill-discipline was costing them as returning Semi Radradra was sent off for an off-field review after making direct contact with his shoulder to Cam Winnett’s head. However, with two men sitting in the bin, Caleb Muntz quickly broke through the hosts defence and crossed over for his side’s first of the encounter. This was met with referee Ramos upgrading Radradra’s yellow card to a 20-minute red card, the first of this Autumn Nation Series.
Then, after back-to-back penalties, Fiji found themselves yet again metres out from the hosts’ whitewash, and referee Ramos awarded another penalty try against Wales, who brought the driving maul down from the lineout. After a TMO check, it was deemed an obstruction in the driving maul, resulting in Wales winning a penalty, followed by Gareth Anscombe bringing an end to the half.
HT: Wales 14-10 Fiji
Fiji’s star man, Muntz continued scoring all his side’s points at the beginning of the second-half as he slotted another three points. After Wales were penalised right in front of the posts, the 25-year-old again added the three to put his side in front for the first time.
Murray looked to have scored, but referee Ramos brought back play after a forward pass by Ben Thomas. Then, after a scrum, the ball was eventually spread outside for Josua Tuisova to power his way through the hosts’ defence and score Fiji’s second.
With it all seemingly being Fiji for most of the second half, Wales responded on the 65-minute mark with a try from Ellis Bevan, who was only on the pitch for less than a minute. This came from quick thinking to spread the ball to the outside, allowing the replacement to crossover.
Another TMO check ruled out Fiji’s third, but after returning to the original penalty, Muntz added the three to extend his side’s lead to five as they record a historic win in Cardiff.
Wales: 19
Tries: Blair Murray (1), Ellis Bevan (1)
Penalty Tries: (1)
Conversions: Gareth Anscombe (1)
Penalties:
Yellow Cards: Tommy Reffell (1)
Red Cards:
Drop goals:
Fiji: 24
Tries: Caleb Muntz (1), Josua Tuisova (1)
Conversions:
Penalties: Caleb Muntz (3)
Yellow Card: Elia Canakaivata (1)
Red Card: Semi Radradra (1)
Wales Starting lineup: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Mason Grady, 13 Max Llewellyn, 12 Ben Thomas, 11 Blair Murray, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Taine Plumtree, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 James Botham, 21 Jac Morgan, 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Sam Costelow
Fij Starting Lineupi: 15 Vuate Karawalevu, 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (cc), 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (cc), 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Albert Tuisue, 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Isaiah Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala
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