Fiji v Wales: Five takeaways as battle of ‘contrasting styles’ sees Welsh overcome islanders who suffer double injury blow
Wales flanker Jac Morgan impressed against Fiji.
Following a 39-24 victory for Wales over Fiji in the Nations Championship on Saturday, here’s our five takeaways from the fixture at Cardiff City Stadium.
The top line
Wales made it back-to-back international wins under Steve Tandy as they celebrated a much-needed triumph, scoring six tries to Fiji’s three to secure a maximum haul.
Jac Morgan (2), Rhys Carré, Josh Adams, Ryan Elias and Eddie James crossed for tries, with Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow adding a total of nine points from the tee.
Pita Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutaumada went over for Fiji in what was a ‘home’ game for the islanders, who will rue their missed opportunities.
Indeed, they left plenty of points out on the field which is a credit to Wales‘ last-ditch defence and work at the breakdown, with this a crucial victory for Tandy’s outfit.
Flair v set-piece
It was very much a case of contrasting styles in this Test as Fiji adopted their usual free-flowing style that saw offloads galore and scintillating running while the Welsh enjoyed real joy at the set-piece, with both the scrum and lineout maul bearing fruit in the form of two first-half tries and three scrum penalties.
Fiji were a joy to watch every time they were in possession but somehow were held to just one try and 10 points in the opening half as Wales made vital interventions.
But, as mentioned, the Wales pack will be delighted with their efforts as Carré and co. enjoyed success at the scrum early on while Morgan’s two scores came via the maul, as did Elias’ second-half try on 67 minutes. The joy they had in this facet will give them confidence for the rest of the Nations Championship month.
While Fiji did pick up a pushover try via the maul in the second period, defensively they were too passive in this area which will possibly alert England and Scotland.
Fiji v Wales: Result, match details, stats, line-ups
Ridiculous Rayasi
Box office. Salesi Rayasi brought his full box of tricks today as he caused the Welsh several issues with ball in hand, swerving, stepping and offloading at will. He was part of a ruthless back three that included Ravutaumada and Jiuta Wainiqolo, who were both lethal in possession when given a sniff, they were worth the entrance fee alone.
But it was Rayasi who really caught the eye as he ate up the ground and ghosted tacklers at times, whilst also giving Fiji a playmaking threat as he took on the defence.
His only blot on the copybook was a one-handed pass after cruising away from in-goal after being under pressure, possibly being a little too leisurely on this occasion.
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Breakdown grit
Huge credit for this result should go to the Welsh effort at the breakdown as they regularly disrupted Fiji’s flow and ultimately restricted the islanders to three tries.
The likes of Morgan and Aaron Wainwright were a nuisance on the ground and, coupled with the Welsh dominance at the scrum and maul, these three areas proved decisive. Even Tomos Williams threw his diminutive weight down the dark alleys and won his charges a relieving breakdown penalty as Wales frustrated the Fijians all afternoon.
It was visible the pride Tandy and his coaching team had in his side at the full-time whistle as they clearly executed the pre-game plan and got their rewards.
Injury concerns
A significant blow hit the Fijians in the first half when star centre Semi Radradra was carted from the action after suffering a leg injury that looked to be serious. Radradra cut a dejected figure on the ground with 28 minutes on the clock as his afternoon was cut prematurely short, with a protective boot attached to his left leg.
Fiji’s woes were compounded when tighthead prop Tim Hoyt suffered a similar fate late in the half as the cart driver returned to the field to transport him to the changing room. It appeared to be another leg injury for the player who was making his first Test start. Hopefully both the injuries aren’t as serious as they seemed.