RUGBY WORLD CUP: October 2. Wales v Fiji

Wales v Fiji in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool A)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Preview
This has been a long anticipated World Cup match ever since Fiji upset Wales 38-34 at the 2007 RWC in France. The win eliminated Wales from the tournament. Wales atoned for that loss with a 66-0 thumping of a very unhappy Fijian side at the 2011 RWC.

Both sides are affected by injuries to key players which will level the field. However Wales will be buoyed by their win against England, a team Fiji succumbed to in the opening game of the tournament.Unless Fiji can produce a game out of the hat like they did in 2007 I can see Wales outlasting the Islanders in the second half. This is a very different Welsh side to the one in 2007.

Prediction: Wales by 21 points. Score 42-21

TEAMS

Wales
15 Matthew Morgan, 14 Alexander Cuthbert, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 James Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Daniel Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Samuel Warburton (Capt.), 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones,
4 Bradley Davies, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Kenneth Owens, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Luke Charteris,
20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 James Hook.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Fiji
15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Aseli Tikoirotuma, 10 Benjamin Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Akapusi Qera (Capt.), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Leone Nakarawa,
4 Tevita Cavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Maafu.
Replacements
16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravia, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta,
20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Joshua Matavesi, 23 Kini Murimurivalu.
Head Coach” John McKee

France v Canada in Milton Keynes (World Cup, Pool D)