Match Preview: Wales v Fiji

The game marks 60 years since the Fijians first toured Wales in 1964. The visitors’ flair and physicality left a memorable impression on Welsh fans on their initial visit, and they are set to provide a similarly exciting challenge in Cardiff this weekend.

The Fijian side that will take to the field on Sunday 10th November is highly likely to look different to the side that suffered a heavy defeat to Scotland in the opening round of the Autumn Nations Series.

Eroni Mawi, Semi Radradra, and nine other key players are all available for selection now that the fixture falls inside the international window.

Previous encounters

Historically, Wales hold the upper hand, winning all but one of their eight encounters with Fiji on Welsh soil. However, Fiji’s lone World Cup win against Wales in 2007 ended former Wales head coach Gareth Jenkins’ career.

A Wales loss on the weekend would see them equal their longest losing run in Test history, when they lost 10 consecutive Test matches between 2002-2003.

Fiji had a near-win in last year's thrilling World Cup clash, where Wales narrowly escaped with a 32-26 victory – something that serves as a reminder, if one were needed, of their unpredictability. During that game, Wales made 253 tackles and in the process set a record for the most tackle any side has ever made in a men’s World Cup match.

Fiji, now Pacific Nations Cup champions, have evolved under head coach Mick Byrne, a former AFL player, who has added structure to their traditionally off-the-cuff playing style.

While Fiji remain famous for their powerful offloads and breakaway tries, they have improved at other aspects of game management too, allowing them to compete at a high level for the full 80 minutes.

Fiji were also the only team to register dominant contact from at least half of their carries in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup (54%). Meanwhile, Wales registered just 21% dominant contact during the 2024 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, the second lowest rate of any side.

Wales are hungry for a win to reverse a disappointing stretch. This opener is crucial for Warren Gatland's team, which has slipped to 11th in the world rankings, their lowest position in years.

Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw spoke to the BBC last week and highlighted the importance of getting off to a good start: “People saying that Wales had to take some pain with bringing in young players, well that's over now.

“There are no excuses, and we have to start winning rugby matches. That's not just me as a coach saying that: the players are adamant that's got to be the case as well. There's a bit of pressure on us to win and the players have got to feel that also.

“We are in the business of winning matches and we have to do that on Sunday afternoon in Cardiff against Fiji."