Wales vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Caleb Muntz inspires visitors into historic win in Cardiff
Wales 19-24 Fiji: The visitors came from behind to win for first time at Principality Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Wales suffered their 10th defeat in a row in a historic result as Fiji came from behind to win for the first time in Cardiff.
Warren Gatland’s team started the game strongly with their driving maul particularly useful in the opening stages as Fiji looked too weak to hold them. Blair Murray went over for the first try and Dewi Lake, from another maul, picked up a penalty try to send the hosts 14-3 in front with a Caleb Muntz penalty the only score for Fiji.
As yellow cards, and a red for Semi Radradra, halted the momentum in the first half Muntz decided to turn up the heat. He darted through a gap in the Wales defence to score and send the Fijians into the break just four points behind. After the restart the fly-half kick two penalties to put Fiji ahead before the powerful Josua Tuisova increased the lead.
Ellis Bevan came off the bench to score his first try at the Principality Stadium but another penalty kic kform Muntz put Fiji too far ahead with time running out. Wales couldn’t get in during a thrilling closing minute and Fiji claimed a famous win.
Relive the action from the Principality Stadium in our live blog below:
Wales 19-21 Fiji
69 mins: A touch over 10 minutes to play and either team can win this game. There are only two points in it and neither team has been dominant enough for me to call which way it’ll go.
Caleb Muntz decides to kick a penalty into the 22 to set up wonderful field position for Fiji. If they score here things will get really tough for the Welsh.
TRY! Wales 19-21 Fiji (Ellis Bevan, 66 mins)
Yes they can!
Wales aren’t done yet. That’s a superb move from Sam Costelow. From the ruck the ball comes out to the substitute who offloads it and takes a big hit.
Wales get the overlap on the right wing though and Ellis Bevan collects the ball for a free dart at the line. The try is scored but Costelow misses the conversion meaning Wales still trail.
Wales 14-21 Fiji
63 mins: The good news for Wales is that Caleb Muntz missed his conversion so they are still within touch of the visitors. One try will out them on level terms and a penalty kick from Anscombe sends Wales inside Fiji’s 22.
Can they take advantage?
TRY! Wales 14-21 Fiji (Josua Tuisova, 61 mins)
60 mins: 20 minutes left to play at the Principality Stadium and Fiji are in the ascendancy!
Wales keep Fiji at bay a couple of metres from their try line but can’t keep up the defence. Fiji move the ball qucikly over to the right and find Josua Tuisova. He’s one-on-one with a sight of the line.
Blair Murray is held off and Fiji have their try!
Wales 14-16 Fiji
58 mins: Unlike the start of the first half most of the second half action has been in the middle third of the pitch with the Fijians landing some supremely dominant tackles.
Wales are being bullied off the ball and are struggling to get themselves a foothold in the match.
Wales 14-16 Fiji
55 mins: Wales are brave after winning a penalty inside the Fiji half. They kick for touch instead of going for goal.
From the lineout, Wales’ maul goes nowhere so they switch things up. The ball is fizzed out wide but Waisea Nayacalevu lands a huge tackle and forces Wales into retreat.
Wales 14-16 Fiji
52 mins: There’s a nervous feeling flooding aound the stadium as the home fans know that their team is under pressure. They have much hard tests to come and need to get themselves over the line today.
Wales 14-16 Fiji
49 mins: Jac Morgan is on the pitch and captaining Wales as Dewi Lake goes off. Warren Gatland has replaced the majority of the forward line with quadruple change.
Muntz continues to get spur on Fiji. He breaks the Welsh line twice to get better territory and the wins a penalty. The fly-half fizzes it over between the sticks and kicks the Pacific Islanders into the lead.
Wales 14-13 Fiji
46 mins: Wales attempt to power their way over the line from five metres out. Will Rowlands collapses to the floor under a tackle and loses the ball to a turnover.
Again the Fijians hold Wales up before the line. Rowlands took a knock to the head and there’s blood pumping down his face which needs seeing to.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments