5. Pool C: Wales vs Fiji (20:00 KO – Stade de Bordeaux, Boardeaux)
Closing out the first weekend of Rugby World Cup action, is the hard to predict pick of the bunch for Sunday. Before the 2023 Summer Nations Series, there would have been far less neutral interest in this Pool C match than there is today. Hot off the back of a historic victory over England, Fiji have climbed up the World Rugby rankings to seventh place. Fiji now sit considerably higher than Warren Gatland’s Wales, who have dropped down to 10th following an underwhelming 2023 Six Nations and subsequent Summer series.
Wales traded wins with England, as they secured a 20-9 triumph in Cardiff, yet failed to get the job done at Twickenham. Gatland’s side should have won back-to-back matches, as England at one stage dropped down to just 12 men following repeated ill-discipline at home. Wales’ final match of the Summer was a heavy defeat to South Africa, as the Springboks ran roughshod in the Principality Stadium for a 16-52 away win.
It has been a turbulent time for Wales, following the WRU’s contract negotiation saga throughout the 2023 Six Nations. Wales have had their ranks depleted from their veteran stars, as the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys Webb have all voluntarily withdrawn from camp. A back injury to Six Nations captain Ken Owens further reduces the leadership group, with some of Wales’ exciting young talents (such as Exeter Chiefs centre Joe Hawkins) ruled out of the competition due to contractual agreements in different countries.
The Flying Fijians are living up to their name, with blistering performances throughout the Summer. A clean sweep saw Fiji record wins over Japan, Tonga and Samoa to win the 2023 Pacific Nations Cup, before a slight set-back saw them defeated 34-17 by France. Simon Raiwalui’s side bounced back in style with their historic first win over England, and look like the team in form going into this Sunday’s match against Wales.
If the likes of Caleb Muntz, Semi Radradra and Waisea Nayacalevu all hit top gear in Bordeaux, then Wales would be hard pressed to stop the Pacific Islanders from recording another memorable win. Fiji will be eyeing up this Rugby World Cup campaign as a golden opportunity to showcase their talents to the world with an extended run in the competition. The favourable draw puts them at an advantage, and they could well reach the dizzying heights of the semi-finals come October.
RUCK’S Prediction: Wales 18 – 26 Fiji