Nations Championship
Fiji (10) 24
Tries: Sowakula, Canakaivata, Ravutaumada Cons: Armstrong-Ravula (3) Pen: Armstrong-Ravula
Wales (10) 39
Tries: J Morgan (2), Carre, Adams, Elias, James Cons: Edwards, Costelow (2) Pen: Edwards
Wales opened their Nations Championship campaign with a six‑try 39‑24 victory over Fiji, securing back‑to‑back international wins for the first time in three years since the 2023 World Cup.
Exiting Osprey Jac Morgan’s two first‑half tries proved crucial, helping Wales stay level at 10‑10 at the interval despite Fiji’s powerful ball‑carrying and constant attacking threat.
After half‑time, Wales’ conditioning and control came to the fore as Rhys Carre, Josh Adams, and Scarlets duo Ryan Elias and Eddie James all crossed to pull the hosts clear.
Fiji remained dangerous throughout, scoring through back-rows Pita Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata and full back Selestino Ravutaumada, whilst fly-half Isaiah Armstrong‑Ravula added nine points.
Wales recover from early Fiji try
Fiji struck inside three minutes when Sowakula finished a sweeping move from deep, with Armstrong‑Ravula adding the conversion for a 7–0 lead.
Wales settled through their set‑piece, and captain Morgan crossed twice from rolling mauls to swing momentum back towards the hosts. Fiji continued to threaten with offloads and broken‑field running, but handling errors repeatedly halted their progress.
A late Armstrong‑Ravula penalty sent the sides into the break level at 10–10.
Second‑half surge puts Wales in control
Wales came out firing after the restart. The familiar sight of Carre powering over from close range gave them an early advantage before wing Josh Adams finished a sharp passage of phase play to extend the lead to 22–10.
Fiji responded superbly. Canakaivata and Ravutaumada both crossed in quick succession, each converted by Armstrong‑Ravula, narrowing the gap to 22–24, briefly turning the contest on its head.
Forward dominance seals the win
With the game tightening, Wales returned to their most reliable weapon — the maul. Replacement hooker Elias driving over on 67 minutes to restore a cushion.
In the closing stages, centre James finished a flowing attack to secure Wales’ sixth try, converted by Sam Costelow, to complete a deserved 39–24 victory.
Wales will now travel to face Argentina and South Africa, while Fiji face England at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool and Scotland at Murrayfield.
Fiji XV:
Rayasi; Ravutamada, Radradra, Tuisova, Wainiqolo; Armstrong-Ravula, Lomani; Mawi, Ikanivere (capt), Hoyt, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Sowakula, Salawa, Canakaivata.
Replacements:
Togiatama, Natave, Ravai, Vocevoce, Yato, Kuruvoli, Botito, Ravouvou.
Wales XV:
Murray; Rees-Zammit, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Lewis, Carter, Beard, Mann, Morgan, Wainwright.
Replacements:
Elias, Smith, Warren, Plumtree, Botham, Hardy, Costelow, Mee.
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[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
