RUGBY WORLD CUP: Wales v Fiji, Pool D

 

02.11.2011

Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
The record books show a most interesting recent history of test matches between these nations.

In the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Fiji defeated Wales 38-34 in pool play thus knocking the Welshmen out of a quarter-finals place. Last November the Fijians forced a draw with Wales in Cardiff. Fiji simply loves to knock Wales over. And although they would need to defeat Wales by a massive score to do the same (I can’t see that happening) the Fijians will want to go out with either a win or at least an honourable loss.

Fiji technically and skill wise are just not the same side they were in 2007.I predict a Welsh victory.

Last Five Encounters
19.11.2010 Drawn 16-16 Cardiff
29.09.2007 Fiji 38-34 in Nantes (World Cup, Pool B)
11.11.2005 Wales 11-10 in Cardiff
09.11.2002 Wales 58-15 in Cardiff
11.11.1995 Wales 19-15 in Cardiff

Wales This World Cup
11.09.2011 v South Africa L 16-17 in Wellington
18.09.2011 v Samoa W 17-10 in Hamilton
26.09.2011 v Namibia W 81-7 in New Plymouth

Fiji This World Cup
10.09.2011 v Namibia W 49-25 in Rotorua
17.09.2011 v South Africa L 3-49 in Wellington
25.09.2011 v Samoa L 7-27 in Auckland

GWC Rugby Rankings
Wales 9th, Fiji 15th

IRB Ranking Points
Wales 80.73. Fiji 68.78

Prediction: Wales by 14 points

Teams

Fiji
15 Iliesa Keresoni, 14 Albert Vulivuli, 13 Ravai Fatiaki, 12 Gaby Lovobalavu,
11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Vitori Buatava, 8 Netani Talei,Capt.
7 Sakiusa Matadigo, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Setefano Somoca, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Waisea Nailago.
Replacements
16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Campese Ma'afu, 18 Akapusi Qera, 19 Mala Ravulo,
20 Nemia Kenatale, 21 Seremaia Bai, 22 Vereniki Goneva
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

Wales
15 Lee Byrne, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 James Roberts,
11 Leigh Halfpenny, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Tobias Faletau,
7 Samuel Warburton,Capt. 6 Ryan Jones, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Paul James , 18 Alun Wyn Jones, 19 Andrew Powell,
20 Lloyd Williams, 21 Stephen Jones, 22 Jonathan Davies.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland