The final match of the opening weekend in the 2023 Rugby World Cup will see Wales face off against Fiji in a Pool C encounter at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on Sunday.
Wales will get their RWC 2023 campaign started off the back of a 52-16 loss to South Africa last month, while Fiji pulled off an incredible 30-22 win over England a couple of weeks ago.
Match preview
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On paper, Wales tick all the boxes to go on to top Pool C in this competition with a good blend of exciting prospects mixed with several big names that were present when they managed a fourth-place finish four years ago.
However, over the last 12 months, Welsh rugby has endured a torrid time with player contract disputes, and their performances on-field took a notable dip, especially during the Six Nations competition earlier in the year.
The three-time Six Nations winners finished fifth in this year's competition and recorded a worse point differential than even last-place Italy while managing just a single win across the tournament.
Their woes began when they conceded 55 points at home to New Zealand in the opening match of the Autumn Nations Series, followed by a stunning defeat to Georgia in Cardiff, marking their first loss to a tier two nation in nearly a decade.
Still, Warren Gatland has a highly experienced side at his disposal with the likes of George North and Dan Biggar, who know what it takes to excel in this competition, and they will be determined to get the Dragons off to a winning start in this match.
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Fijian rugby is currently experiencing a surge in momentum, entering the World Cup with its highest-ever ranking of seventh, which they achieved after a historic 30-22 victory against England at Twickenham last month.
That win was far from accidental as Fiji displayed a brilliant and energized style of play that went well beyond the unfair stereotype of recklessness and now positions them for what might become a historic period in France if their positive momentum continues.
The benefits of having a team in Super Rugby have been evident of late as Fiji convincingly defeated Samoa, Tonga, and Japan in their initial three warm-up matches despite a subsequent 34-17 loss to France.
Now, the perennial underdogs known for consistently exceeding expectations find themselves in the somewhat unusual position of being considered a favourite by many to advance to the knockout stage after a 16-year absence, particularly given the uncertainties within the tier-one nations in Pool C.
However, coach Simon Raiwalui needs to ensure his squad remains concentrated on their immediate objectives before contemplating the future; should the Flying Fijians achieve this, the South Pacific region might witness one of its most remarkable World Cup performances to date.
Wales form (all competitions):
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Fiji form (all competitions):
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Team News
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Taulupe Faletau has overcome his injury and is set to make his return to the Wales team for their upcoming World Cup match against Fiji on Sunday, while Dewi Lake is not part of the squad.
Gatland has named five World Cup debutants for this weekend's encounter, including openside flanker Jac Morgan, who will captain the Welsh in his first World Cup match.
Louis Rees Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Gareth Thomas and Will Rowlands are the other players who will make their World Cup debuts, while scrum-half Gareth Davies will start in this competition for the third time.
Raiwalui has maintained faith in the side that beat England last month, announcing just one enforced change to the side with Caleb Muntz ruled out due to a knee injury.
Teti Tela replaces Muntz in the starting 15 and will partner Frank Lomani in the halves pairing with Semi Radradra and captain Waisea Nayacalevu in the midfield.
Selestino Ravutaumada and Vinaya Habosi will occupy the flanks, and Ilaisa Droasese will round off the back three.
Wales starting lineup: 15. Liam Williams, 14. Louis Rees Zammit, 13. George North, 12. Nick Tompkins, 11. Josh Adams, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Gareth Davies, 8. Taulupe Faletau, 7. Jac Morgan (c), 6. Aaron Wainwright, 5. Adam Beard, 4. Will Rowlands, 3. Tomas Francis, 2. Ryan Elias, 1. Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16. Elliot Dee, 17. Corey Domachowski, 18. Dillon Lewis, 19. Dafydd Jenkins, 20. Tommy Reffell, 21. Tomos Williams, 22. Sam Costelow, 23. Rio Dyer
Fiji starting lineup: 15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (c), 12. Semi Radradra, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 10. Teti Tela, 9. Frank Lomani, 8. Viliame Mata, 7. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6. Albert Tuisue, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 3. Luke Tagi, 2. Samuel Matavesi, 1. Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Levani Botia, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Josua Tuisova, 23. Sireli Maqala
Head To Head
Since their first encounter in 1985, Wales and Fiji have faced each other in rugby union a total of twelve times, including four meetings at the Rugby World Cup (in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019), with another scheduled for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Out of these twelve matches, Wales emerged victorious in ten, while Fiji secured one win, and there was one draw. Notably, Fiji's win in 2007 allowed them to advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup ahead of Wales, marking the last time Wales failed to progress to the knockout stage in the competition.
We say: Wales 21-24 Fiji
Based on how they took England apart at Twickenham last week, it is difficult to bet against the flying Fijians pulling off another eyebrow-raising victory in this match.
We feel this will be a very close match across the 80 minutes, but fancy Wales may come up just short at the full-time whistle.
No Data Analysis info
Devesh Jaganath
