Wales scored four successive tries in the last quarter to beat the Flying Fijians 38-23 in a match where Fiji played 36 minutes with 13 men and 20 more with 14 men because of card offences.
Fiji was reduced to 14 men early in the first half when winger Eroni Sau was red carded in the 25th minute for a swinging arm to the head of Wales centre Johnny Williams who was on the ground. With minutes from first half, flanker Albert Tuisue was shown a yellow as Wales led 14-13 at the break – with Fiji’s points coming from a try by captain Waisea Nayacalevu and two penalties by Ben Volavola.
Despite being down to 13 men, Fiji reclaimed the lead early in the second half with another penalty from Volavola. Reclaiming the lead and Tuisue’s return appeared to uplift the Fijian camp, with flyer Josua Tuisova darting his way through the Welsh defence, with Vilimoni Botitu on hand to provide the much-needed support and offloading to Nayacalevu to score his and Fiji’s second try in the 56th minute to further their lead 14-23.
But, that was also to be their final say on the scoreboard as the hosts took over proceedings. Motivated by Fiji’s second yellow to prop Eroni Mawi in the 62nd minute effectively reducing Fiji to 13 men, Wales scored two tries within six minutes. They scored two more to complete their six-try feat.
In a post-match interview, Fiji’s November Tour coach Gareth Baber admitted that indiscipline cost the team. But, he also acknowledged the players for their effort and things that they did well during the game.
The game was also Wales 11th win in their 13th meeting.
Photo: FRU
