WALES equalled their record losing streak of 10 consecutive Test defeats as they succumbed to a spirited Fiji side, who emerged victorious in Cardiff with a 24-19 win. This marks Fiji’s first-ever victory on Welsh soil and further compounds a challenging period for Wales under head coach Warren Gatland.
Fiji’s fly-half Caleb Muntz delivered a commanding performance, scoring 19 points for the visitors, including a spectacular solo try. Despite a 20-minute red card for Fiji’s wing Semi Radradra, due to a dangerous tackle on Wales full-back Cameron Winnett, the Fijians managed to hold off Wales with a mix of disciplined kicking and strategic play.
An ill-tempered first half saw French referee Luc Ramos brandish yellow cards to Wales’ flanker Tommy Reffell and Fiji’s number eight Elia Canakaivata. Wales led 14-10 at the break, thanks to a try from new cap Blair Murray and a penalty try, but the second half saw Fiji seize control through Muntz’s precise kicking and a try from centre Josua Tuisova. Replacement Ellis Bevan scored late for Wales, yet a last-minute opportunity to equalise was missed, sealing Wales’ fate.
Crisis for Welsh Rugby
Wales’ extended losing streak continues to highlight the current crisis within Welsh rugby, both on and off the pitch. Sunday’s defeat marks 400 days since Wales’ last Test victory, a World Cup pool match win over Georgia in October 2023. Since then, they have faced nine successive defeats, including a Six Nations Wooden Spoon finish, a World Cup quarter-final exit to Argentina, and summer losses to South Africa and Australia.
With upcoming matches against Australia and reigning world champions South Africa, Wales faces the daunting prospect of going winless in an entire calendar year for the first time since 1937 – a stark contrast to that year, when Wales only played three games, compared to the 11 they are scheduled to play in 2024.
Bright Start for Wales
The match started positively for Gatland’s side, who looked to continue their form from a thrilling World Cup encounter with Fiji just 14 months prior. A clever attacking move saw Murray, the 23-year-old wing making his debut, touch down within eight minutes. His try, set up by strong running from centre Max Llewellyn and the creative playmaking of Gareth Anscombe and Ben Thomas, gave Wales an early lead, with Anscombe converting.
But Fiji quickly responded, with Muntz slotting over a penalty before Wales thought they had scored again through Winnett. However, the try was disallowed after Reffell was sin-binned for a dangerous clearout involving Radradra. A driving maul led to a penalty try for Wales, with Canakaivata shown a yellow card, but the match remained closely contested.
Despite a numerical disadvantage due to Radradra’s upgraded red card following a bunker review, Fiji held their ground. They appeared to have scored a penalty try from a maul but were denied for obstruction, leaving Wales narrowly ahead 14-10 at half-time.
Fiji Take Control
The second half saw Fiji regain full strength with the introduction of centre Sireli Maqala, the Top 14’s leading try-scorer. Muntz quickly narrowed the gap with a penalty, and Fiji began to dominate possession. A reshuffled Welsh backline struggled to find rhythm, with Anscombe replaced by Bevan, who shifted to the wing as Costelow moved to fly-half.
Fiji capitalised, with Tuisova powering through for a second try to extend their lead. Bevan answered for Wales, scoring in the right-hand corner, but Costelow’s missed conversion left Wales trailing by two points. A potential clinching try for Fiji’s Vuate Karawalevu was ruled out for a forward pass, but Muntz’s late penalty ensured Fiji’s victory. Wales’ final chance was dashed when replacement hooker Elias lost possession in Fiji’s 22, allowing the visitors to celebrate a historic win.
