Check out the Wales player ratings vs Fiji as Warren Gatland’s side kicked of the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a crucial win.
Wales resist a thrilling Fiji fightback to launch their Pool C campaign with a bonus-point win in a pulsating contest at Stade de Bordeaux.
In the initial 45-minute period, both teams managed to score two tries each. Josh Adams was the first to cross the try line for Wales, swiftly answered by Fiji with scores from their captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, and flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu. However, George North’s try near the half-hour mark put Wales back in the lead at 18-14 as they headed into halftime.
Wales might have considered themselves fortunate to hold this lead at the break since they spent most of the first half defending in their own half. Meanwhile, Fiji was left regretting missed opportunities as they couldn’t convert their sustained pressure into points.
The second half started with more errors from Fiji, with Louis Rees-Zammit scoring a try in the 48th minute. This allowed Dan Biggar to convert, extending Wales’ lead to 11 points.
In the 64th minute, Fiji’s Lekima Tagitagivalu received a yellow card, and immediately after, Wales capitalized with a try from substitute Elliot Dee, seemingly securing the victory. However, a late surge from Fiji saw Peni Ravai scoring a try. Only a knock-on from Semi Radradra in the final moments allowed Wales to hold on for the win.
Scroll down for the Wales player ratings vs Fiji
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THE SCORERS:
WALES – 32 (18)
- TRIES: Josh Adams (7′), George North (29′), Louis Rees-Zammit (48′), Elliot Dee (66′)
- CONS: Dan Biggar (30′, 49′,67′)
- PENS: Dan Biggar (2′, 24′)
FIJI – 26 (14)
- TRIES: Waisea Nayacalevu (13′), Lekima Tagitagivalu (17′), Josua Tuisova (73′), Mesake Doge (78′)
- CONS: Frank Lomani (15′, 18′), Teti Tela (73′)
- PENS:
Stadium Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Referee: Matthew Carley
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: WILL ROWLANDS
WALES GAMES STATS:
Most points: Dan Biggar – 12
Metres: Louis Rees-Zammit – 52
Defenders beaten: Louis Rees-Zammit – 8
Tackles: Will Rowlands -22
Offloads: Nick Tompkins – 3
Tackles missed: Jac Morgan – 4
Turnovers won: Will Rowaldns – 4
Wales player ratings vs Fiji:
1 Gareth Thomas – 8
2 Ryan Elias – 6
3 Tomas Francis – 6
4 Will Rowlands – 10
5 Adam Beard – 6
6 Aaron Wainwright – 7
7 Jac Morgan (c) – 7
8 Taulupe Faletau – 7
9 Gareth Davies – 6
10 Dan Biggar – 7
11 Josh Adams – 8
12 Nick Tompkins – 7
13 George North – 8
14 Louis Rees-Zammit – 9
15 Liam Williams – 6