Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

Wales vs Fiji LIVE: Rugby result, final score and reaction from 2021 Autumn internationals

Follow live reaction from Cardiff after Wales held off a brave Fiji performance to claim their first win in the Autumn Nations Series

Jamie Braidwood
Sunday 14 November 2021 17:31 GMT
Comments
Jonathan Davies says patience is key for Wales in battle with South Africa

Wales have held off a brave effort from 14-man Fiji to bounce back from consecutive defeats and secure their first victory of the Autumn Nations Series.

After visitors Fiji made an impressive start at the Principality Stadium by taking the lead through captain Waisea Nayacalevu, the match was seemingly set to turn when winger Eroni Sau was sent off for a swinging elbow on Alex Cuthbert.

But despite two further yellow cards, either side of half time, Fiji were able to retake the lead when Nayacalevu added his second in a sensational team score, after Wales had briefly hit back through Keiran Hardy and Ryan Elias.

And it wasn’t until late in the match that Wales were able to breathe comfortably, with Louis Rees-Zammit producing an electric finish after chasing down his own kick and player-of-the-match Liam Williams adding a sixth try when the clock was in the red.

Follow below for all the reaction from the Autumn Nations Series match:

TRY! Wales 29 -23 Fiji (REES-ZAMMIT 74’)

WOW - how about this from Louis Rees-Zammit?! If this stands it is an incredible try.

He chases his own kick from 40 metres and gained ground on Volavola following an insane turn of speed - before beating the Fiji man to the ball as it crossed the line.

The grounding is being looked at, however.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 17:05

Wales 24-23 Fiji

72 mins: This is remarkable stuff from the 13 men of Fiji - they keep the pressure on following the Wales lineout and keep possession on the halfway line. They then draw the penalty just inside their own half - and Volavola clears into the touch - outside of the Wales 22.

Fiji are back up to 14 as Eroni Mawi returns.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 17:03

Wales 24-23 Fiji

70 mins: Fiji aren’t done yet, though! After an initial break from Mata, Volavola goes for the crossfield kick looking for his winger, but it bounces out of play. A kinder bounce and Fiji could have been in.

Christ Tshiunza comes on for his Welsh debut.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 17:00

TRY! Wales 24-23 Fiji (CUTHBERT 67’)

Wales retake the lead as Cuthbert marks his return to the team with a try! Wales roll from left to right after Fiji lose possession in the lineout, as Rees-Zammit and Williams pass it on to the outside and Cuthbert touches down under pressure in the corner.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:56

Wales 19-23 Fiji

65 mins: Wales replacement centre Uilisi Halaholo makes a break up the middle of the pitch, but Wales’ attack breaks down as they attempt a kick over the line. Fiji clear after winning a penalty but Wales come straight back...

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:56

TRY! Wales 19-23 Fiji (ELIAS 63’)

Elias adds his second, and it’s a copy of the first as Wales go back to the lineout and drive the maul over the line, with the hooker carrying it across from the back of the rolling pack.

Biggar’s conversion strikes the upright and stays out, which is his last action of the match as he is replaced by Callum Sheedy.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:52

YELLOW CARD! Wales 14-23 Fiji

Fiji go back down to 13! They were warned, but a third penalty in quick succession leads to a yellow card for substitute Eroni Mawi.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:51

Wales 14-23 Fiji

60 mins: Wales instantly march back to the corner - as Rees-Zammit is stopped on the line. Fiji concede a penalty five metres out, Wales take it quickly and keep it in play, before Fiji concede another penalty. They’re starting to add up for the visitors and the referee warns Fjii’s captain Nayacalevu that a yellow card is coming. Wales go back to the lineout, five metres out.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:50

TRY! Wales 14-23 Fiji (Nayacalevu 57’)

Stunning from Fiji! Wow, what a try! Biggar kicks for space in the corner and it’s comfortably collected by Tuicuvu. He initially calls for the mark, before realising that there was space in front of him to run into. He makes a clean break after beating two Wales defenders, before timing his pass to perfection. The ball is then passed on to the captain Nayacalevu, who bursts clear to cross in the corner. From one end to the other in a matter of moments!

Volavola adds the conversion.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:45

Wales 14-16 Fiji

54 mins: More frustration for Wales as they concede another penalty - but they get away with it as Volavola’s perfect record comes to an end with his first miss from five kicks.

Jamie Braidwood14 November 2021 16:43

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in