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:
Second half! Wales 14-10 Fiji
Fiji get the game back underway. There’s a minute left for Semi Radradra’s red card for the visitors to wait out before they can bring on a replacement.
This match is going to go down to the wire.
Semi Radradra red card: Why was Fiji wing sent off against Wales?
Fiji wing Semi Radradra was sent off by referee Luc Ramos for a high tackle as the Pacific Islanders suffered a significant blow early in their Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales.
Radradra’s shoulder made direct, forceful contact to the head of Cameron Winnett after chasing after a kick and attempting to tackle the Welsh full-back.
Having been shown a yellow card by Ramos after the referee concluded that the challenge met the threshold required. It was then reviewed by the Foul Play Review Officer via the bunker system to determine if an upgrade was required.
Semi Radradra red card: Why was Fiji wing sent off against Wales?
The wing was shown a red card after his tackle on Cameron Winnett
HT Wales 14-10 Fiji
Half-time! Wales 14-10 Fiji
Wales get away with one at the end of the first half and head into the break with a slim lead. All to play for.
Wales 14-10 Fiji
39 mins
Wow! From the lineout Fiji decide to drive a maul of their own towards the line. The Welsh are punished for an infringement with a penalty try awarded.
However, the TMO is asked to get involved and spots Samu Tawake causing an obstruction in the build up meaning the penalty is awarded to Wales and the try is chalked off!
Wales 14-10 Fiji
36 mins: Lovely work from Fiji here. They get through 15 phases and only make a few inroads into Wales’ territory. The hosts can’t turn the ball over and give away a penalty for crawling.
Fiji decide to kick for the touch line. Half-time is creeping closer with Fiji on the cusp of the Welsh try zone.
Wales 14-10 Fiji
33 mins: Wales just haven’t had the flow or rhythm that we know they are capable of. There’s been a stop-start nature to the game and the cards haven’t helped.
The hosts win a scrum following a Fiji knock on. Tomos Williams feeds the ball and there’s a bit of argy bargy. Archie Griffin is judged to have made an error and Fiji are awarded the penalty.
Wales 14-10 Fiji
30 mins: Anscombe looks for territory with a kick over to the left side of the pitch. Fiji, despite still being down to 13 players, clear their own lines through Muntz.
The Pacific Islanders hold out until Elia Canakaivata is brought back on.
Wales 14-10 Fiji
26 mins: Semi Radradra’s yellow card has been reviewed and upgraded to a red card! Fiji won’t be able to replace him on the pitch for another 15 minutes.
Radradra himself won’t be returning.
TRY! Wales 14-10 Fiji (Caleb Muntz, 24 mins)
Incredible!
Caleb Muntz drops the shoulder and skips through a tight gap before sprinting towards the line. He’s got two defenders left to tackle him but the momentum of his run takes him over to try line.
Fiji have a try back and cut the gap on Wales.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments