Wales Qualify For Quarter Finals By Downing a Valiant Fiji

Wales completed a 29-17 win earlier today, downing a valiant Fiji. The victory sees the Dragons qualifying for the Quarter Finals where they will compete in an all-European showdown against either England, or France.

The twelve point win was intense, a genuine tournament highlight. The hero was winger Josh Adams who bagged a hat-trick and scored three out of Wales’ four tries.

Before the Welsh were able to trouble the scorers Fiji had scored two of their own. Winger Josua Tuisova and fullback Kini Murimurivalu both scored and their back-three colleague Semi Radradra was causing serious havoc in general play.

Early pressure also saw Wales reduced to 14-men on two occasions. When Wales was back to full-strength they found the means of turning the tide. In doing so this time Semi Kunatani was yellow carded as Fiji were down to 14-men for ten minutes.

A double from Adams came in response and with Dan Biggar converting both Wales weren’t ahead 14-10. The scoreline would remain as such until half-time.

The open running continued in the second half with Adams completing his hat-trick and fullback Liam Williams scoring a late try. In between them Fiji crossed for one of their own, a penalty try which saw the match alive until the final minutes.

For Fiji the campaign is over. The pool stage exit comes with great disappointment considering how well the Flying Fijians performed against Australia, Georgia, and Wales. Ultimately the shock defeat against Uruguay will likely be the lasting memory.

 

SCORING

FIJI (17)
Try: Tuisova (3′), Kini Murimurivalu (8′), Penalty Try (53′)

WALES (29)
Try: Adams (17′, 30′, 60′), Williams (68′)
Conversion: Biggar (19′, 31′), Patchell (69′)
Penalty: Patchell (57′)

TEAMS

FIJI
1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Sam Matavesi, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (capt.), 7 Semi Kunatani, 8 Viliame Mata, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Ben Volavola, 11 Semi Radradra, 12 Levani Botia, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 15 Kini Murimurivalu

Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Eroni Mawi, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Api Ratuniyarawa, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Niko Matawalu, 22 Jale Vatubua, 23 Josh Matavesi

WALES
1 Wyn Jones, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (capt.), 6 Josh Navidi, 7 James Davies, 8 Ross Moriarty, 9 Gareth Davies, 10 Dan Biggar, 11 Josh Adams, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 13 Jonathan Davies, 14 George North, 15 Liam Williams

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Rhys Carré, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Aaron Shingler, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Rhys Patchell, 23 Owen Watkin