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00:00Sydney already but boy oh boy has this been one compelling old contest the panache of the Fijians
00:07the pragmatism of the Welsh it ends at halftime all square in Cardiff the halftime score here
00:15Fiji already close to 150 which is an astronomical number in one half of rugby the stab that matters
00:23most though says we're all square 10 points a piece at the interval and one element we haven't
00:29discussed so far is that the cross hemisphere nature of this competition you're not just competing
00:34for points in the overall standings as we career towards the finals weekends at Allianz Stadium at
00:41Twickenham you're competing to win points for your hemisphere as well New Zealand's beating France
00:47for the south Japan likewise doing the number on Italy although by a quirk of fate Japan are north
00:55of the equator Fijian Wales duking it out the points not just for the standings
01:03but we'll see who will be crowned the champion hemisphere north or south in a little over four
01:10months time still a beautiful afternoon here in Cardiff temperature hovering around 22 degrees celsius
01:24it's not quite the searing heat and humidity of a Fijian summer but it is conditions where Fijians are
01:31certainly at home it's been the free-flowing offloaders against the set-piece maulers in the first half
01:44that is the second tab in store for us so let's see Rayasi he's had a few telling moments today
01:52Armstrong Ravula under real pressure from Thomas Williams
01:57Winingola going up through Blair Murray all backwards Salawa has it and Oencross blowing up for
02:03double knock on first one off Wales
02:08Philippa would you be happier as a as a Wales player or a Fiji player as you reflect on that
02:12first half
02:13you know what that's a great question because you list all those stats and it sounds like Fiji have
02:17been really dominant but actually like you say the scoreboard is level so in that sense are you more
02:22frustrated as a Fiji player the fact the Wales haven't had as much war hasn't haven't had as
02:27many line breaks and yet still they've managed to get enough points to keep themselves in this game so
02:33i think from a Welsh perspective they'll be feeling quite tired at that half an epic amount of tackles
02:38they've had to make and they know they're going to have to front up and make even more this second
02:42half
02:43but for Fiji you actually their half-time chat would have been so interesting because you know they're
02:48going to change the way they play but they've got to be more clinical with how they have to take
02:52some
02:52weight off break foot yeah no half-time changes to tell you about Fiji already forced into a couple
03:02before the interval the otherworldly centre and Tim Hoyt the rookie tight head drop both
03:09stretchered off on shortly before half time okay okay what's the problem what's the problem
03:25no nothing okay okay okay when i call said let's just yeah we'll get the scrum thanks okay we punch
03:34we're not going to have research now let's get the scrum's working like the first time
03:37crouch! Paul James who was consulting earlier in the year permanent scrum coach he's working closely with
03:54Steve Tandy and Danny Wilson overseeing the forward side of things
03:59here come Fiji with Frank Lomani, Rayasi at first receiver and a whining goal of the danger man off the
04:05wing
04:05rabble to Amanda takes it at full tilt trickles it down the touch line and then hammers Blair Murray on
04:11the 22
04:16Aaron Wadewright
04:30Williams over the shoulder it's another fine fine clearing kick and a couple of those from
04:37Wales game driving players today no it's almost Williams showcasing the bread and butter side of a
04:44scrum half's arsenal really good skills there from Blair Murray and at fullback as well when he fielded
04:51that kick he didn't just wait for it to come to him he probably would have been tackled player on
04:54ball but
04:55he actually lent forward grabbed the ball and rotated at the same time ensuring he secured the ball
05:00so Wales maintained possession of it excellent chop tackle on two sova from Jack Morgan
05:05the Fiji coming again through Ravutal Manda
05:10use it
05:12canny ready playing as rugby in Japan now
05:16Honda Heat former Ndrua captain
05:20Armstrong Ravula cross fielder whining goal is after it not enough on it Blair Murray
05:25evasive action against his own teammate Murray with a wonderful dummy Alex Mann with him James on the
05:31outside Murray helping about but Mann was sandwiched by two Fijians
05:37Fiji not rolling away and now it's Wales who thrive without the structure to contain them
05:43Williams to Reece Samet he'll be too quick for Nasila Sela he's found Adams Adams inside to Williams
05:51Fiji hold him up
05:54Reece Carey will fancy his chances from here he's over
06:01he'll just need to check if there was a double movement involved
06:06a Reece Carey with the classic Cardiff celebration
06:11okay we'll just check that okay clear okay
06:18okay stand by
06:35one of Wales most important players Reece Carey it's only the third time he's touched the ball today
06:42but he's exactly the person you want on a pick and go here so what they're looking for is
06:46as earlier you're allowed one movement when you go to the deck
06:52now I think that's the momentum of the other player pushing him forward so that would be okay
06:56it's whether Reece Carey himself goes to ground pushes and then pushes again
07:02we'll watch the legs and see if there's a second propulsion yeah the referees will have a look at here
07:10this is your best angle okay
07:13from what we've seen so far looks like it's clearly grounded or anything different
07:17nothing different from me
07:20so I will stand for Reece Carey
07:23Wales own Colossus
07:26what a renaissance he's had in that red shirt
07:29where once he was deemed unfit and surplus to requirements
07:34now he's embraced now he is part of the Welsh furniture
07:44Dan Edwards off the mark, Wales onto 17 points
07:50and how good for Wales to show their flexing their ability to play the ball
07:55use the width use the edge some really lovely play there
08:00and good control from Dan Edwards calling the ball behind the other Welsh
08:04players he knew he wanted to spread it and get it to the edge
08:12Adam Beer calls for the restart and he's made a career out of being a great nuts and bolts second
08:18row
08:18one sideways
08:20there's a set-piece genius
08:24and the likely injured Dab Jenkins is going to miss the whole
08:27championship campaign this month he'll be a key man in the middle of the row
08:33there's Samet leading the charge
08:34Niasi overran it and Aaron Wainwright got to it first
08:38and now it's Wales with real momentum and a stretch Fijian defence in their crosshairs
08:43Hawkins chasing Rabot Amander back towards his own goal line
08:48he wants that to roll dead he's got to be careful
08:51he's going to be very careful
08:54he was playing with fire and Josh Adams might have singed his fingers
09:07wow what a turnaround there for Wales let me just explain that so the Fiji player wants that ball to
09:12roll out
09:12because if it rolls what we call dead so behind the back line
09:15Fiji get the ball but they get it from where it was kicked
09:18so that's a real territorial advantage for them however he didn't realize Josh Adams was so hot on his tails
09:27Josh Adams touches it just before it goes out which means it's a try here we go
09:32then through his legs
09:35I mean is that some kind of a nutmeg situation I'm not quite sure I've never seen a try
09:40scored between a defender's legs before but brilliant work weight from Josh Adams
09:47a lightning strike from Wales two tries in two minutes
09:51and a degree of the self-inflicted about that from a Fijian point of view
09:58Edwards wide with the kick but now suddenly a two-score gap opened up
10:04initially I wasn't sure whether this kick was the right choice because Wales had a clear overlap but hey
10:09they've played with flair they've sort of played Fiji have given them a bit of a cup of their own
10:15medicine
10:16but you know what I would be saying there as a coach I'd be talking to the other players around
10:20him saying why were you not screaming at him that there was a man on
10:24a player coming
10:26shades of Rob Howley on Clemont-Foyneau in the Heineken cup final all those years ago
10:30it's a bonus point try for Wales
10:33bonus points playing their part in this new competition as well determine where you finish in the standings
10:40Josh Adams the scourge of Fiji
10:42Patrick against them at the world cup in 19 another at the world cup in 23
10:48it's five in his last three matches against the Melanesian nation
10:57okay Fiji can choose Scrummer line out here
11:00Wales knocking the ball out of play
11:02captain it's knocked and into touch Scrummer line-up
11:04line-up thank you
11:06okay there's your man and a special moment
11:09for young Ben Warren his first cap for Wales
11:13with a spate of tight-knit injuries he's on for Dylan Lewis
11:17and he can call himself a fully-fledged international player
11:2026-year-old from the Ospreys what a steal from Alex Mann and then
11:26Derry Lake just took his eye off the ball
11:30turn over good then not done
11:46so frustrating like you say brilliant turn over there
11:51just very late couldn't quite keep his hands on it
11:55like you mentioned there Ben Warren getting his first cap
12:08Ben Warren through the Ospreys
12:10played in the non-cap game against the Barbarians last week
12:13twicken him now he's here he's got his cap
12:18Fiji have got to score next you feel
12:20Armstrong Ravula to Tui Silva sitting down all-comers
12:25Ravutamanda down the touch line winning collisions is what the Fijian
12:29blueprint is all about Manabanua six for eight how did he get that off the boot laces
12:35and Wales coming through offside
12:38Alex Mann the guilty party
12:52guys of Toso Viti Toso go Fiji go from the pockets of the Fijian diaspora they've done their best to
13:00bring home comforts to Cardiff today
13:18just
13:18on the line
13:18on the line
13:24see just
13:25the infringement
13:26Alex Mann playing the nine can't do that around the base of the rug
13:30take it by Manabanua and Fiji are trying to run a dose of Welsh medicine down Welsh throats they have
13:38done so
13:43they're not just about the razzle-dazzle they've got the muscles to match
13:48Eliath Alakaibata scoring in Cardiff and bringing Fiji back within shooting distance
13:56it's all about the pace and the urgency of that war look really well organized everyone knew clear roles
14:02some responsibility straight up down charge Wales didn't stand a chance there
14:09you
14:11you
14:13you
14:13you
14:13you
14:14you
14:26you
14:35Straight and two from Armstrong and Aboula, Fiji back within five, still half an hour of this match remaining.
14:46You've got a feeling it's going to be like this to the very end, Wales score, Fiji score, Wales score.
14:53Both teams just managing to find those little cracks, aren't they? Exposing them in the opposition, they're in for a
14:59great game.
15:08Longer restart from Dan Edwards with the box, Fiji into their own 22, Armstrong and Aboula keeps it on the
15:16pitch.
15:16Penalty advantage.
15:18Salawa has been identified as offside in front of Armstrong and Aboula.
15:24Free shot for Wales here, Thomas Williams has a little bit of gamble.
15:28Trent Morgan chasing it.
15:30Ayase is there, and the penalty advantage activated.
15:36To the Fiji coach, Sene Lucy Serovapula, you're fuming watching this, aren't you?
15:41You've just scored a try, seven points, back within a score, and you've given away such a soft penalty, your
15:47own 22.
15:48Yeah, they seem to be their exiting strategy is, you know, not surprisingly from Fiji to keep the ball alive.
15:53Although they're kicking, they're going for an up and under kick, so they're looking to get that back and continue
15:57to play.
15:58But you just have to wonder in the odd time, specifically like when you've just scored, you've just got a
16:04foot holding into the game.
16:05Maybe that's the time to kick for a clearance.
16:08So looking to put the ball as much distance as well as height to push Wales back.
16:17It has been first choice since an injury to Sam Costello against Scotland.
16:23It's the second round of the Six Nations Championship.
16:26He's not having a vintage day with the Bruton this afternoon, Dan Edwards.
16:32Missed to restore Wales two-score advantage.
16:37He was never going to miss from there.
16:40Eight point margin.
16:46I think that would have been a pointer at half-time from the Welsh perspective.
16:50Any penalties they get in the Fiji's half, look to kick, look to build that scoreboard pressure.
17:05It's over the top of Adam Beard and the winding goal gets there first. Rabobo is there to wrap it
17:11up for Fiji.
17:13Penny Rabai, leg drive through two tacklers.
17:18Romani to Rayasi, he'll find a pot of forwards.
17:21At the front of it, Demo Maena Banua.
17:24Armstrong and Abula, Wales shuffling across the cover, but they've been outnumbered and outmatched.
17:29And they've been beaten again. Celestino, Rabo Talmanda, under the posts.
17:38You think you've got them covered. You think they're under wraps.
17:43You throw these Fiji's in a straight jacket and they will find an escape.
17:50Beautiful try. Simple bit of play. Just watch the 15 there. His work around the back.
17:57Rayasi had two touches in that intervention. Slotted in at ten on the first one.
18:01And then he worked right again. Pass and follow. Beautiful.
18:06If you want a textbook example of why you fix the player in front, preserve the space on the outside,
18:13and how you can make rugby look so simple, that was the try for you.
18:1720 seconds.
18:20Thanks, sir.
18:23Celestino Rabo Talmanda, an Olympic silver medallist in Paris two years ago.
18:27He now plays as club rugby for Wrestling 92.
18:31And Isaiah Armstrong-Raboula narrows the gap to a single point.
18:42The urgency as well to make sure he put it under the post, to make sure that they were going
18:46to get the full seven points from that try.
19:02And Silla, Silla, hoisted into the Cardiff's guys.
19:06Just a tackle! Tackle now West!
19:09Ryan Fijin's going to make a double sub soon.
19:11Simeone Kurovoli and Levi Nakabe, the strong half, the loose head prop, about to come on for Eroni Maui and
19:17Frank Lomani.
19:19We're going to see James Botham take the field shortly for Wales as well.
19:23Reece Samet going backwards, has cuffed it up.
19:26Blair Murray is seized upon by four marauding Fijians.
19:33Nicky Smith, not long off the bench for Reece Carey.
19:3745-50 minutes, as much as Carey's asked to do.
19:41He makes a massive impact, as he has done today, in that period on the pitch.
19:48Williams with a contestable.
19:50Luis Samet, fancy himself against Armstrong, without Woolack.
19:54Adam Beard has then knocked it on.
20:00What have you made of Wales' kick strategy today, Philippe?
20:03OK, some restrictions on my warden, number nine.
20:05Yeah, look, I think they've got to utilise the likes of Luis Samet.
20:08He's so good up in the air, so fast to get to the ball.
20:11And he is getting there, and he's getting those tap-backs.
20:13Just being fortunate, the support players, I'd say they need to be a little bit closer there.
20:18Aren't there for those tap-backs, the ball hasn't quite gone the right way.
20:22But I like it as a general strategy, I think it's a good attacking weapon.
20:26Just think it's something Wales still need to work on.
20:31That was Lewis Samet's last action, you can see him making his way off the bottom of your picture.
20:36Ellis Mee, tall, rangey figure of the Scarlets, real dangerous operator.
20:42Two!
20:42He's on in the wing.
20:44Second!
20:45Bind!
20:46So those subs now made, you can see Simeone Kurvoli, known as Little David by his mum,
20:51Aromita back home in Fiji, and now to David and Goliath,
20:54and David certainly packs a punch on the rugby pitch.
20:58Ravula, dropping one on Murray, and as he stood off it, and could bring Murray down.
21:04So Wales, courtesy of the slip.
21:09Armstrong Ravula can put this straight to touch, and does.
21:15So just to mop up those replacements, both for Mann, me for Reece Samet, for Wales.
21:21Kurvoli for Lomani, and Levi Natave.
21:25He's the warrior like Tim Hoyt, on for Eroni Maui.
21:32I think it's a clear kicking strategy from Wales, to utilise Joe Hawkins' boot,
21:37it's been a couple of times now, where he's just trying to put it in behind,
21:41forcing Fiji to kick, and that example that worked out perfectly,
21:46and Wales have got the territorial advantage from it.
21:50Something the Wales coaches have talked about this week, boxing Fiji in,
21:53trying to punch them out on their own 22, and use this driving line-out.
21:59They've sat away their energy, and their desire.
22:04Penalty advantage Wales, that's what they wanted.
22:08Turn-off was good, seven collapsed.
22:10Number seven.
22:12No, no.
22:14Number seven collapsed.
22:16Kitsione Salawa identified as the player to bring that maul down.
22:21Father and namesake are flying Fijian, played at Rugby World Cup 2003.
22:27And his infringement would cost Fiji dear, and this is where Wales have punished them.
22:36Three squam penalties to nil in Wales' favour, Philippa.
22:39And the ball has been such a weapon for them too.
22:43Yeah, it certainly has, but this is the time we'll see now, do they change tact?
22:47Or do they go for what's been working for them?
22:50Not so many players in this maul at the moment.
22:54Just the five-man lying out, and Fiji got fingers to it, but it's gone forwards.
23:01Great leap from Nasil Asila.
23:03It's not a bad outcome for Wales, so dominant in the scrum.
23:12Yeah, okay, time off, six and four.
23:15Yes, you just see the Fiji player up stretch there and gets a hand to it,
23:18but unfortunately knocks it on in the process.
23:22Fiji are going to their bench again, and it is a sweet return to international rugby.
23:27The man wearing jersey 20, Badeli Hato, 33 years of age, from USAP in France.
23:33He's not played for his country since July 2021.
23:38He withdrew from preparations for the last World Cup to focus on his club commitments.
23:44He is on for Pidegas Soakula.
23:48Nesake Bodeboda on as well, in place of Kiteone Salawa.
23:57A lot of fresh legs in this scrum for both teams.
24:01Will the narrative continue?
24:03OK, I understand you don't want a free kick, so let me speak to them.
24:06Yeah, thank you, sir.
24:06OK, lads, we need way far more control there.
24:09I'm not going to give free kicks when teams want to scrimmage, so you need to buy in now, OK?
24:12If I think you're intentionally doing something, I can penalise.
24:16Wait off, please, more control.
24:20Let's go!
24:21Let's go, Paul!
24:21Go to Q.
24:22Come on, it was.
24:26Goal!
24:27Goal!
24:28That this one?
24:29Yes.
24:31Crouch!
24:32Feb!
24:34Point!
24:38Set!
24:38It's easy, lovely walls!
24:44Wells creeping forwards.
24:46Referee's arm extended.
24:48Thomas Williams throwing one out the back to Adams, and now Botham.
24:54Nobody else can have a gamble with house money here.
24:57Jack Morgan.
24:59Hear the cry, thunder, thunder, indicating a one-out carries in the post.
25:03There's Dewey Lake doing that carry.
25:06Hawkins had to clear that quickly.
25:09OK, there's a bit to sort out here because the TMO, Leo Colgan,
25:13has identified a neck roll by a Wales player,
25:17and that will supersede the technical infringement because it's foul play.
25:23So that sponges the infringement by Fiji at the scrum.
25:27We then have a foul play infringement with a neck roll from year number five,
25:31so that supersedes the technical infringement and restart with the penalty.
25:34What was the neck roll, so this one?
25:35It's the five in the breakdown here in midfield.
25:38That's the information we have, OK?
25:39I understand it's a difficult situation, but foul play is worse than technical,
25:42so it's the penalty for people to restart with.
25:44I understand it.
25:45If they're off their feet infringing...
25:47Listen to me.
25:48First of all, that doesn't mean we can have foul play.
25:50Fine.
25:54So I think what Derry Lake was trying to ascertain there was,
25:58if a Fijian player is in an illegal position, is the neck roll OK?
26:02No.
26:02Neck roll is never OK.
26:04That is the foul, and that supersedes everything.
26:07I think he's also asking questions about the number of penalties conceded at the scrum,
26:12and whether Owen Cross might be reaching into his pocket.
26:16Armstrong and Ravula have not reached the touchline.
26:18The Wales can come again.
26:20Up goes the arm from Thomas Williams,
26:21and stickless up in the heavens.
26:24Williams and Murray after it.
26:25Rayasi bossing the airways, and then met by Adam Beard.
26:34Gurdivoli, Armstrong and Ravula.
26:36Ravula.
26:37Ravula.
26:39No hands.
26:41Use it.
26:44Fiji attacking with 14 just now,
26:46because Selesi Rayasi is nursing a bit of crap by the looks of things,
26:50in the middle of the pitch.
26:51Use it!
26:53Gurdivoli is going to give Ravula Amanda something to get after.
26:58Adams coming forwards,
27:00and Ravula Amanda misses him,
27:02and Adams can open it up for Wales.
27:04Eating into the space as he runs sideways,
27:07Tanaka Vata saw the kidneys of Adams,
27:10and decided he'd put his shoulder into them.
27:13Carter.
27:17Williams back against the grain.
27:19Chance on the short side as James finds Botham.
27:23Tackled by Dussova.
27:30Beard and Carter, the two-second rows for Wales.
27:33He's dropping me, he's dropping me!
27:35Yeah, he's doing it.
27:38Edwards at a standing start.
27:40Blake to Hawkins.
27:42James, what's the miss pass?
27:44And then Ellis Mee his first crack at this Fijian defence.
27:48Slippery customer despite his height.
27:51Oh, Fiji have pinched it back.
27:53And Fiji on transition ball can be lethal.
27:56Bravo ball.
27:58Working his way up the touch line.
27:59Had to keep that in, and somehow, extravagantly he did.
28:03That's legal from Thomas Williams.
28:04Nobody's offside there.
28:06And now Wales have it back.
28:08And Wales have space down the short side.
28:10Ellis Mee upended.
28:13Pace of this game.
28:16Beard's got belted but he got the ball away crucially.
28:21Williams at the base.
28:22Trying to bring a bit of calm.
28:24And chase Fiji back into their own half.
28:31Yeah, brilliant kick there from Thomas Williams.
28:34Like you say, just bringing in a bit of calm.
28:37If you try and meet the intensity, match the intensity and the chaos
28:40that Fiji bring up, that can be very unfolding for teams.
28:44Wales had a go.
28:45It did work.
28:46Calm head.
28:47Pin the corner.
28:48Right choice.
28:50Toby Lake with another 60 plus minutes in his lungs and limbs.
28:55As the captain takes his leave.
28:56Jack Morgan is now the skipper.
29:00And Dan Edwards, he has done as well.
29:02Sam Trostello, a very talented fly half.
29:06We've started the Six Nations as first choice, on for him.
29:10And a kaibata.
29:11Dusty pass back to Armstrong and Abula.
29:16There Maurice, he's a wall of white advancing upon him.
29:19Here.
29:20And that's he waiting for it.
29:24Where's Fiji?
29:25Good.
29:28Does LS Me fanci a run?
29:30Yes, he does.
29:32Support on his insides.
29:33Botham has a bit of time to pick this up.
29:35Sees Padeli Yato in front of him.
29:38Mighty shot from Yato.
29:43This is Wainwright.
29:46He's gone.
29:47He's gone.
29:48He's gone.
29:50He's gone.
29:51He's gone.
29:51He's gone.
29:51Use it.
29:53Again, Wales aren't going to be falling into it.
29:56Playing the game Fiji want them to.
29:57Going to bring some structure.
29:59Win back the crumbs from these contestables.
30:01Raul Tamanda.
30:03Barring it back to Armstrong and Abula.
30:05And now Wainingoro.
30:05He's dangerous if he gets away.
30:08This is mana from heaven for Wainingoro.
30:10Rayasi on the outside.
30:12Taking on Mi.
30:13Just didn't have the energy left in the tank.
30:17The screams and the hoops every time Fiji threaten here.
30:22Tacho soaked up by Bode Bode.
30:26And the penalty is Wales.
30:31An illegal clean out on Wainwright.
30:33Careful.
30:36Just give us time inside.
30:39I think you're right.
30:41You know, I think the intensity of this game is starting to take its toll on some of those Fijian
30:46legs.
30:46Number 14, HIA.
30:49Just rest, rest, rest.
30:51Just a reminder, I'm sure you've long had your fantasy rugby teams locked in.
30:54If you haven't, there's still times to get involved.
30:56Scan the QR code and put together your dream 23.
31:01In the meantime, Fiji have gone to the bench again.
31:04It's a head injury assessment by the looks of things for Celestino Raul Tamanda.
31:08So the versatile Vili Moninho Chitu in shirt number 22 has come on to replace him.
31:22Yeah, Fiji need to be careful there.
31:24You can't clear players out to the side like that.
31:34Both of them with a fingertip take.
31:38Ryan Elias in command at the back.
31:43Fiji again.
31:44The Wales looking to break the spirits of the Fijians.
31:47Use it.
31:4815 minutes to play.
31:50Fiji offside.
31:51Penalty advantage, Wales.
31:5215 advantage.
31:5311 offside.
31:54Williams to Wainwright.
31:56Bashing through Wining Golo.
31:58New advantage.
32:00Pick your penalty here.
32:03Let it go.
32:04Let it go.
32:04Let it go.
32:04Let it go.
32:06Tackler's in the way first.
32:08Carol Ward Jackler.
32:11Interesting now, do they kick this?
32:13So, Captain, you've an offside option here.
32:15You want to go with this one for that rolling?
32:17This one?
32:18No thoughts of going for three here.
32:22They feel they have Fiji under the cosh.
32:24And they know...
32:26an advantage of four points against this Fijian team.
32:30And I can't be sufficient.
32:32That's what's killing Fiji, that stat there.
32:35Just discipline down here.
32:36You can check the line.
32:42Two multi's in the bank.
32:44And it's the same formation.
32:45Centres in there too.
32:47Fiji tried to compete.
32:49That could leave them short of defenders on the ground.
32:52Wales tabbing infield.
32:55One more chance to make something of this.
32:58Forward it goes now.
33:00Elias with the ball tucked under his left arm.
33:03Williams pushing him forwards.
33:04Elias scores for Wales.
33:12It's brutal.
33:13And it's brutally effective.
33:22Wales reasserting their dominance.
33:26And Fiji's discipline deserting them.
33:30Yeah, that really is the difference, isn't it?
33:32Between these two teams at the moment is the penalty count.
33:35But more significant than that is where Fiji are giving away the penalties.
33:39And it's when they start to feel the pressure in their 22.
33:46Really composed play from Wales.
33:48Mature, organised, knew what they wanted to do, executed, scored.
33:53Good kick for Sam Costello.
33:55And he's nailed it.
33:56It's a two score game again.
33:58Eight point difference.
34:00Fiji have got 13 minutes to turn this game around.
34:13Fiji's
34:21Armstrong or Avoula?
34:23will short this time?
34:24Over the top of Beards.
34:25Me colliding with Waian Angolo.
34:27Oh, and Eddie James, there's an important bit of scrappling.
34:39Use it!
34:47Wainim Bolo waiting, off he goes, down the short side,
34:51Bosh, world-class,
34:56Buriboli, Rayasi's calling for it, Armstrong, Ravula,
35:00sees forwards waiting in the middle, Anakai Bata, through two,
35:04Buriboli, Armstrong, Ravula, Rayasi, Ravula, upended,
35:10wonderful shot on him, Josh Adams coming in,
35:15a real good soldier for Wales today, Nisake Mbodebode.
35:18No, no, 9 for 17! Rock first.
35:23Buriboli, Danakai Bata,
35:26caught behind the game line, Fuji losing some shape here,
35:29it doesn't matter when you've got players like Buriboli and Wachitu.
35:35No, hands away now, last 17!
35:38It's half a foot.
35:39Penny Rabai, in two Adam Beards, Fuji asking about a high tackle.
35:44Armstrong, Ravula, missing Yato,
35:46Waining Golo, Ravulo,
35:50goodness me, dragging Welshman along with him.
35:53Waining Golo down the short side,
35:55trying to catch Wales offside.
35:58Buriboli lifts it to Armstrong, Ravula,
36:02Bottitu, Icaneberi, nothing on outside him.
36:05Thomas Williams, oh, he stole it and then he dropped it.
36:09And that might have been the moment for Wales.
36:15I think Thomas Williams was so surprised he actually managed to get his hands on it.
36:19Unfortunately, he did just lose control and knock it on.
36:22Really good attacking set there from Fiji.
36:25Their one-on-one skills are so good,
36:27their confidence to go in just one person.
36:32For most other teams, it's a cardinal sin for you to pick up on your own and take contact.
36:36You've always got to wait to make sure you've got a team member with you,
36:39but with Fiji, it just doesn't matter.
36:42Tackles made, no surprise, Jack Morgan leading the way.
36:48Absolute standout.
36:50Water off.
36:51No Fijian player in double figures for tackles.
36:54They've only had to attempt 72, Wales over 170.
37:02Yeah, I just tried a feature.
37:03It was close, though.
37:04You can walk at me and when you pull out it's easy for me to play.
37:14Is this a must-score attack for Fiji, Philippa?
37:18You feel it, last ten minutes of the game.
37:20There are tired bodies out there.
37:22As much as Fiji haven't had to defend as much as Wales,
37:26they have run a lot.
37:30This could be the momentum changer for them.
37:32They get this, they're in it.
37:33They don't get this, you do feel that might be the psychological blow.
37:40And the advantage will be all Wales.
37:45They're going to split the backs here.
37:47Three and three.
37:48Wyning Golo and Botito to the left.
37:49Rayasi behind the scrum.
37:51Armstrong Rabula.
37:52He's been quiet in the second half.
37:55And Rabovo off to the right.
37:57They've wheeled to the left.
37:58Kurovoli going wide to Wyning Golo.
38:01Got a lot of finishing to do from there.
38:04Kurovoli out to Bedelli Yato.
38:08Squeezes it back between his legs.
38:10Kurovoli.
38:10Kurovoli.
38:12This could be the match for Fiji and for Wales.
38:15And Levi Latave leaves the ball behind.
38:19And all around us on the bench and in the stands,
38:23there are Fijian heads resting in Fijian hands.
38:32You've got to give credit to the Welsh defence though.
38:39To have made as many tackles as they've had to this game.
38:42And they're still staying in the fight.
38:44And what's going to be really important from the Welsh coaching point of view
38:47is that the subs that have come on have matched the intensity.
38:50They've kept that going.
38:51They've put a shift in as well.
38:54Fiji have made their eighth and final substitution,
38:57Zuri El-Tongi Atama,
38:58who took up rugby back in New Zealand to combat his school bullies.
39:02Former county's Manokal player on for the captain, Canibari.
39:07Nine minutes to play.
39:09The Wales have a firm grip on this contest.
39:15Bind!
39:18Set!
39:21The Wales will look for a scrum penalty to ease the pressure here.
39:24There's two issues, Alex Baird.
39:26Alex Baird.
39:27OK.
39:28What's wrong, Alex Baird?
39:30I think we got to the set-up.
39:33Just timing on the pushes early.
39:35Lads, don't go soft.
39:36Meet them over the mark, OK?
39:37I'll watch their timing as well.
39:39Quick reset.
39:41Patience, please.
39:46Over the mark, OK.
39:47Over the mark.
39:58Crouch!
39:59Back in!
40:01Bind!
40:05Too much weight, lads.
40:07Way too much weight coming to the glass.
40:07Biddy's on for an early drive.
40:10Taviyah, well high.
40:12You're the issue first.
40:13If your weight's good, I can watch that.
40:19OK.
40:21Let's go, please.
40:28Costello puts it off the pitch.
40:30Will be a Fiji line-out.
40:32They've got a goal from 40-plus metres.
40:36Time off.
40:37Number eight.
40:40Another alteration for Steve Tandes,
40:41bringing on Tane Plumtree,
40:43but covering second row from the bench today.
40:46He's on for Aaron Wainwright,
40:48another big rangey specimen.
40:49Back row, a real area of strength for Wales.
40:53Tommy Raffel back in the squad for this window.
40:56What's the numbers, five or six?
40:59Five plus one is six.
41:00Yes, it is six.
41:03Right, we're all glad that five plus one equals six.
41:05It's six, lads.
41:07Owen Cross dishing out an arithmetic lesson.
41:10As well as wanting how to choreograph your set piece.
41:13We go to the front again,
41:14Dongyatama through the arms of Armstrong, Rabula.
41:17Toysua kept it alive,
41:19why N'Golo going backwards to go forwards again.
41:23Rabobo hugging the touchline.
41:25Support from Botichu.
41:32Tongyatama, 50 appearances for the Fijian Drua this season.
41:36Wales are on it, Wales have the penalty.
41:38And that might be the match.
41:45Big moment, really big moment.
41:50Both of them there getting over that ball.
41:56This out of all of the game,
41:57these moments now are what the Welsh coach
41:59are going to be most pleased with.
42:01This control, this relentless attitude.
42:07It was interesting hearing the conversations going on there.
42:11Differing opinions from the world's leadership team on 42.
42:14I'd take the three.
42:16Sam Costello saying we're turning the screw.
42:21And in the end, the quest for five or seven points
42:24takes the safer choice of three.
42:27Speeders up, five.
42:27Five.
42:28Five.
42:32Wales, Wales, let's go, lads, lads, let's go.
42:37Six minutes left.
42:42Elias to Parker at the front.
42:53One star.
42:57Stay on side now.
42:58They aren't going to drive their way over this time,
43:00so Williams back to Josh Adams.
43:02Just lost his footing at the crucial moment.
43:09Adam Beards.
43:10He's going the distance by the looks of things.
43:13Carter likewise,
43:14met by Pussova.
43:17Fiji need a turnover from somewhere.
43:20Wales just need to keep the ball in this part of the pitch.
43:23They have that two-score cushion.
43:27The ball has wrestled back, and Fiji have turned it over.
43:31And you better believe they'll run this.
43:33Wyaning Golo inside to Bottitu.
43:36Over the top flamboyantly to Rayasi.
43:38Away from me.
43:39Morgan gets him.
43:41Heroically.
43:42Thomas Williams, that's going to be a penalty.
43:44For the morning Bottitu.
43:45Almost rocked from the Welsh side rather than the Fijian one.
43:48In desperation.
43:52Incredible work away from Thomas Williams though.
43:56Well managed between wing and fullback.
43:59But it was Thomas Williams' intervention at the very end.
44:02That's what won him the penalty.
44:03He was trying to go for that jack-on.
44:05He was took out illegally.
44:06But he came from the wilderness.
44:08He was way on the other side of the field.
44:18Cerecino e Ravoto Amanda has passed his head injury assessment.
44:20He's going to take Nziaia Ravula off and put Bottitu into ten.
44:25This is the play here, the work rate from Morgan and from Williams.
44:32Yeah, I mean, Jack Morgan, his GPS stats, the amount of ground he covers is incredible.
44:46Yes, advantage thrown across the line.
44:49Fijian penalty here, thrown across the line out, landing on the left and clear.
44:56And those penalties are mounting, it's the 13th they've conceded.
45:02That's what's cost the momentum.
45:04Williams, that was cute.
45:05Lotito's lost it, Costello has it, winding goal and reels him in.
45:09It's gone backwards, Plumtree after it.
45:12And it's a scrum five to Wales, and they can finish this game going away from Fiji.
45:24Lovely set-up play there.
45:26You can see Thomas Williams with the initial layoff carry from that line out.
45:30It was very relaxed, he just wanted a one-up hit.
45:32There was a little nod to the outside backs, and over the ball goes.
45:36Look, pre-planned.
45:39You can see Sam Costello getting straight on his bike.
45:42OK, thank you.
45:44Good chase back from Fiji, though, getting in that passing channel.
45:47He can put his hand out like that because the ball goes backwards.
45:50If he was facing the other way and put his hand out like that, then that would be a knock
45:54on.
45:55And that could actually lead to a yellow card, and the player being sent off.
46:03Watch as they're under the punches now, Fiji.
46:06Another try would give them a losing bonus point, and another for finishing within seven points of Wales.
46:13They'd have to keep the try line intact, and then go for 90-odd metres.
46:18But with Fiji, you never know.
46:23Yeah, it's all coming across this way, it's all coming.
46:26No problem, let's close it, go, please.
46:31Just make sure we're straight, there's way coming across the strum, nice and straight.
46:38Confirmation from our television colleagues on the host broadcast that Jack Morgan
46:42is the Nations Championship player of the match, top tackler with 16,
46:46and he is slotted seamlessly back.
46:50That Welsh loose forward trio.
46:52What a boost he's given Steve Tandy and his teammates.
47:04Wales going forward again at scrum time.
47:08We need straight, go forward first, lads.
47:10We need straight, go forward first, lads.
47:13Just need more, go forward on this side first, OK?
47:16Yeah.
47:17This guy's on his knee also.
47:19Just off the floor.
47:21Yeah.
47:22Oh, it's me.
47:24Quick reset, let's go now.
47:26Square practice, go forward first.
47:28Woo!
47:31Woo!
47:37As we tick into the final minute of the 80.
47:40Wales looking to finish this with a flourish.
47:43And put Fiji to bed once and for all.
47:45Fiji to bed once and for all.
47:47Fiji!
47:47Fiji!
47:50Fiji!
47:52Fiji!
47:52Fiji!
47:55Fiji!
47:55Fiji!
47:56Fiji!
47:56Advantage.
47:57Penalty advantage.
47:59Hawkins and Eddie James under the posts.
48:03Game over.
48:06Job done.
48:07And if the Welsh dragon isn't quite breathing fire again,
48:12there are at least a few sparks emanating from it
48:15at long, long last.
48:20So good to see the Welsh partnership,
48:22that centre partnership working together.
48:26It's been the sixth time that they've been consecutively
48:29selected at 12 and 13.
48:31It's a partnership that Steve Tandy believes in.
48:33He wants it to be the future for Wales.
48:37And that's the first time we've seen them run their own move,
48:40show their own connection.
48:42Lovely way for Wales to finish.
48:44Heartbreak for Fiji, who started so well,
48:47entertained us all.
48:48But it was just that penalty count.
48:51It gave Wales the opportunity.
48:53And Wales took it.
48:55Eddie James, first try for Wales.
48:58Ensures the locals inside Cardiff City Stadium.
49:01Leave with that feeling of cautious positivity,
49:04buoyed and swollen again.
49:06Jan Mongen back in harness.
49:08Wales winning again.
49:10Back-to-back competitive victories for the first time
49:14since the Rugby World Cup close to three long years ago.
49:19Fiji put it all out there.
49:20They stay true to themselves.
49:23Perhaps in the end they will rue those squandered opportunities,
49:26those forced offloads, those fumbles, those issues at the set piece.
49:30And that fraying discipline as the contest wore on
49:34and the state grows ever higher.
49:36It is Wales who prevail.
49:38They've beaten Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium
49:40by 39 points to 24.
49:42Tern footer has got a push for 50.
49:43Tern foot to 4th.
49:45At New Zealand, you see wanna go through?
49:48Open, they've got a push for 50.
49:50Soldier Panhard Dirck to 45,
49:50Who has
49:51become 1-5
49:51-0. award. John
49:53Estadero.
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