Wales open Nations Championship with six-try win over Fiji in Cardiff
Jac Morgan scored twice as Wales overcame a spirited Fiji side 39-24 at Cardiff City Stadium, securing a bonus-point victory in the inaugural Nations Championship match.
Match summary
Wales scored six tries to beat Fiji 39-24 in the opening match of the Nations Championship on Saturday, played at Cardiff City Stadium. Officially the away side, Wales took advantage of Fiji's ill-discipline and set-piece dominance, with three tries coming from driving mauls. Jac Morgan touched down twice in the first half, keeping the score level at 10-10 despite Fiji's attacking brilliance.
Fiji's flair and errors
Fiji started strongly, with Pita Gus Sowakula crossing after just two minutes following a sweeping move. The Pacific islanders made 12 clean breaks in the first half alone, but handling errors and a series of infringements prevented them from capitalising. Centre Semi Radradra left the field with a leg injury early on, a significant blow.
Wales' second-half surge
After the break, Rhys Carre crashed over and Josh Adams pounced on a loose ball behind the Fijian try line within 60 seconds to open a 12-point lead. Fiji responded with tries from Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutamada, but Wales pulled away again through Ryan Elias and a last-minute score from Eddie James.
- Fiji's Pita Gus Sowakula scores after a flowing move.
- Jac Morgan scores two pushover tries from lineout mauls, levelling the score at 10-10.
- Rhys Carre crashes over, and Josh Adams steals a try 60 seconds later to extend Wales' lead.
- Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutamada score to bring Fiji back into contention.
- Ryan Elias scores from another maul, and Eddie James adds a last-minute try to seal the win.
Off-field context
The build-up was overshadowed by a pay dispute between the Welsh Rugby Union and players, resolved only on Wednesday. The match drew a crowd of just 16,456 at the football stadium, a disappointing turnout. Fiji are playing their home matches in the UK because they lack a stadium meeting tournament standards, with revenue aimed at building a new ground by 2030.
Reaction
I was really proud of the boys and the effort they showed. It wasn't perfect and you have to give credit to Fiji, because they produce some magical stuff. Our boys kept going at it, chased things down and didn't give up.
Wales now travel to Argentina and South Africa for their remaining July tests.
