The teams: Wales v Fiji - Welsh Rugby Union

3 days ago

With the pre-match festivities over, we are now under way at Principality Stadium, where Scarlets winger Blair Murray makes his debut for Wales.

Wales vs Fiji - Figure 1
Photo Welsh Rugby Union

 6mins | It’s been all action in the opening minutes, firstly Wales going through multiply phases and getting within sniffing distance of the Fiji try-line. Then the Flying Fijians taking the attack to the home side.

7mins | A dream start on debut for Blair Murray after a slick backline move sets him free on the left touchline. Gareth Anscombe’s conversion put Wales 7-0 ahead.

Blair Murray runs in to score a try

11mins | Wales give away a cheap penatly at the breakdown and Fiji fly half Caleb Muntz reduces the arrears with a straightforward shot at goal.

15mins | A great line by full back Cameron Winnett sees him cross the line, but it is over ruled and Wales flanker Tommy Reffell is sent to the sin bin for a dangerous clear-out at a ruck.

Wales vs Fiji - Figure 2
Photo Welsh Rugby Union

21mins | Fiji are reduced to 13 men when danger man Semi Radradra sees yellow after flattening Wales full-back Winnett

23mins | Caleb Muntz has pulled a rabbit from the hat and steps inside the Welsh defence and puts on the after burners on and fends off Winnett and Murray to power over. The Fiji fly half knocks over the simple conversion to bring the score to 14-10.

Radradra is informed he will not be returning to the pitch after his yellow card is upgraded to a red card due to a high degree of danger, and there is no mitigation.

39mins | Fiji are denied a penalty try after prop Sam Tawake obstructed his fellow rumblers. A lucky escape for Wales.

HALFTIME: Wales 14 – 10 Fiji

43mins | Muntz pulls Fiji back to a single point with a curling penalty which swings inside the upright.

Wales vs Fiji - Figure 3
Photo Welsh Rugby Union

45mins | Warren Gatland makes a raft of changes with Jac Morgan taking over the captaincy from Dewi Lake, while Nicky Smith, Ryan Elias and Keiron Assiratti also join the action.

48mins | Muntz knocks over a simple penalty after Wales are penalised inside their own 22m line for not rolling away.

60mins | Josua Tuisova finally gets into the game makes his power tell. He swats aside Murray before ignoring the attention of Ben Thomas to smash his way over the try-line. Fiji sense something could be on as they lead 14-21.

66mins | Replacement Ellis Bevan breathes hope into the Wales cause by scoring out wide to put his back in the hunt, just trailing 19-21 with 14mins remaining.

74mins | Fiji think they have delivered a killer blow but a forward pass by Muntz chalks it out. However they are awarded a penalty in front of the posts after Wales are caught off-side. Muntz makes no mistake to put put 19-24 ahead with five minutes to go.

GAME OVER – A historic first ever victory for Fiji in Cardiff – the defeat means it is a record equalling 10-match losing streak for Wales.

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