Headline
Sponsor
JOIN THE FLIGHT

Dee delivers as Wales edge epic

10/09/2023

Wales were forced to dig deeper than ever before to hang onto their lead at the death as they kicked-off their World Cup campaign with an epic 32-26 win over Fiji at Stade de Bordeaux.

Both sides scored four tries to pick up a bonus-point and the Fijians bagged a second point for closing the gap with two late tries to six points. They could have had more but for a knock-on in the last play, and they also got over the Welsh line on three other occasions but failed to secure the points.

Their hugely physical approach forced Wales to make 248 tackles compared to their 70 and they enjoyed 85% territory across the 80 minutes and 61% possession. If it was a rearguard action in the main, Wales also conjured up four tries of their own.

But having built a 32-14 lead after 66 minutes, it was far closer in the end than head coach Warren Gatland would have liked. The Fijians now meet Australia in round two, while Wales face Portugal.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS
Would you like to be part of our success? FIND OUT MORE
Headline Sponsor
Primary Partners