By Ioan Thomas
Wales remain winless in 10 games after Fiji recorded an historic first ever win in Wales as they beat the hosts 24–19 at Principality Stadium.
Fijian No10, Caleb Muntz, led his team to the impressive victory with 19 of their 24 points coming from the man of the match.
Fijian No10, Caleb Muntz, led his team to the impressive victory with 19 of their 24 points coming from the man of the match.
Uncapped Welshman, Blair Murray, scored the first points of the game with a try on his home debut.
Wales opened the scoring in the eighth minute with debutant Murray finishing in the corner after being put into space by a well–timed offload from Ben Thomas.
Wales opened the scoring in the eighth minute with debutant Murray finishing in the corner after being put into space by a well–timed offload from Ben Thomas.
Minutes later Fiji pulled back three points with a penalty kick from Muntz flying over from just in front of the halfway line.
In the 16th minute, Wales had a try from Cam Winnett disallowed after Tommy Reffell was adjudged to have made a dangerous clear–out from a ruck and subsequently the flanker saw yellow.
Although Wales were down to 14-men they were awarded a penalty try after Temo Mayanavanua collapsed a driving maul before the try line. Mayanavanua also saw yellow for his actions, evening out the numbers on the pitch momentarily.
Moments later Semi Radradra joined Mayanavanua in the bin following a dangerous tackle on Winnett.
Despite having 13 men on the pitch it was Fiji who made the next breakthrough with Muntz. The flying Fijian made an excellent break through the Welsh defence and outpaced the back-pedalling Murray and Winnett to finish. Muntz took his points tally to 10 as he converted his try.
Straight after Muntz’ try Radradra saw his yellow card upgraded to a red after a significant TMO review of his challenge on Winnett.
Just before half time, Fiji looked to have taken the lead but their penalty try was ruled out after obstruction following their lineout in Wales’ 22.
Wales led 14-10 at the break but Muntz opened the scoring in the second half with a penalty in the 43rd minute and then nudged the visitors in front with another three points soon after.
When Josua Tuisova powered over the line after a strong break by captain Waisea Nayacalevu, and Muntz converted, there was clear daylight between the two teams.
While Wales responded quickly with Ellis Bevan going over in the right corner with his first touch of the ball following a slick attack, Sam Costello missed the conversion to keep Fiji in the lead.
Another penalty from Muntz secured the victory, with Wales hoping to bounce back against Australia next Sunday.