WALES REMAIN AT TOP OF POOL FOLLOWING FIJIAN WIN

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

Following the euphoric victory last week against England, which left the whole nation celebrating like we’d won the World Cup, the unusual Thursday evening kick-off time welcomed Fiji for the third game in the tournament for the Welsh team.

The maths is simple – and a win would result in the home team qualifying for the knock-out stages of the campaign.

The Welsh team couldn’t have started any better with a superb solo run from George North saw them sniffing the try line with less than a minute’s play. Working through the phases enabled the Fijians to reorganise their defence, however Wales were awarded with a penalty and demonstrated their intent by opting to kick for the corner.

A huge forward effort saw them driving closer followed by a cross kick from Biggar, but unfortunately Cuthbert was unable to gather the kick and Wales were given another shot and again opted for the corner.

Despite their efforts for early points, Wales were unable to penetrate the opposition defence and Fiji turned the ball over, but found it difficult to get the ball passed their own try line.

Wales were finally awarded with a try from Gareth Davies who exploited the Fijian defence with a well-worked dummy to cross under the posts, giving his the accolade of scoring a try in each of Wales’ World Cup games to date. Biggar added the conversion to open up an early 7 point to 0 lead.

A huge effort at the scrum from the visitors saw them offered their first chance of points as a well-struck penalty from Ben Volavola sailed between the posts to narrow the Welsh lead to 7 points to 3.

He attempted to repeat the feat a matter of seconds later but this time his kick fell to the right of the posts.

A break from in-form Scarlets’ Scrum Half Gareth Davies and subsequent penalty award saw Biggar slot over an easy kick from in front of the posts to bring the score to 10 points to 3. However, worryingly for Wales, Cuthbert left the pitch to be replaced by Lloyd Williams, again playing out of position on the Wing.

Full Back Matthew Morgan’s break put the Welsh in possible try scoring territory as he passed to Davies, who possibly made the wrong decision in delaying his pass to Faletau. It was only strong Fijian defence that stopped a certain try.

Wales crossed the line for the second time following some good forward play, however despite the TMO being asked whether the ball had been grounded by George North or not, play prior to that showed Bradley Davies tugging at a Fijian player by the neck, resulting in a penalty for the visitors and the try decision never being made.

Great hands in mid-field and a well-timed pass from young Centre Tyler Morgan saw Hooker Scott Baldwin just ground the ball. Biggar added the conversion for a 17 point to 3 lead.

Volavola slotted over a second penalty as the half drew to a close to give a score line of 17 points to 6. That remained the score at half time, with Wales half way towards their bonus point target.

Fiji were offered the chance of getting the first points of the second half on the board following some typical Fijian 7’s play, however Volavola again saw his kick sail wide of the posts. However, minutes later we saw Fiji at their best with a try finished by Goneva after some excellent hands mid-field. Volavola added the conversion and a nervous Wales were suddenly needing to re-establish control as the lead was merely 4 points – 17 points to 13.

Biggar’s excellent kicking of late continued as he kicked another penalty to give the Welsh team a little breathing space – 20-13.

The arrival of replacements Samson Lee and Ken Owens in the front row would hopefully improve the set piece as it had against England, as the Welsh scrum in particular has struggled.

Biggar eased the pressure slightly on his team as he continued his 100% kicking record to open up a 10 point lead – 23 points to 13 as despite aiming for the bonus point from the start, the win is paramount.

Worryingly for Wales was the sight of Biggar gingerly leaving the pitch to be replaced by Rhys Priestland, however it was confirmed that it was precautionary due to cramp.

Gareth Davies thought he had scored his second try, with momentum taking him over the line, however the TMO decided that a Fiji hand under the ball had saved the score, though the decision was questionable.

Despite a strong performance from Fiji in the second half Wales were able to hold on to secure the win which sees them remain at the top of Pool A. They will be disappointed not to have secured the bonus point but are still strong contenders to top the group and will be keen spectators on Saturday when England play Australia. A win from Australia would see the hosts out of the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Wales play Australia on October 10^th to discover who will end the pools stages at the top of the table.