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

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:

Wales vs Fiji LIVE

• 5’ - Nayacalevu crosses for opening score to give Fiji an early lead
• 11’ - Elias goes over for Wales as they narrow gap to visitors
• 25’ - Fiji reduced to 14 after Sau sees red for dangerous tackle
• 39’ - Hardy scores on the stroke of HT with Fiji down to 13
• 57’ - Nayacalevu scores spectacular second as Fiji fight back
• 67’ - Elias and Cuthbert strike with Fiji again down to 13
• 74’ - Stunning Rees-Zammit finish gives Wales breathing space

[14 November 2021 14:06 · Alex Pattle]

Wales vs Fiji

Prop Tomas Francis has been ruled out of the Wales side to face Fiji today.

The Welsh Rugby Union said that the Ospreys forward suffered concussion during training on Friday.

He has been replaced in the starting line-up by Scarlets’ WillGriff John, who makes a first Test start after going on as a substitute against South Africa last weekend for his Wales debut.

Cardiff prop Dillon Lewis, meanwhile, joins the Wales replacements for Sunday’s clash in Cardiff.

Wales are seeking their first win of the autumn campaign following a 54-16 loss to New Zealand and 23-18 reversal against the Springboks.

[14 November 2021 13:57 · Alex Pattle]

Wales vs Fiji

Wales battle Fiji in pursuit of some much-needed momentum and confidence in what is their third Autumn Nations Series match.

The Cardiff crowd will hope to roar on Wayne Pivac’s men after a heavy loss to New Zealand before suffering an agonising defeat late on to South Africa last week, with an opportunity against Australia to come next weekend.

There is a real buzz around the team with defence coach Gethin Jenkins keen to see what impact Christ Tshiunza makes, with the 19-year-old Exeter forward ready to demonstrate what he can bring. Fiji pushed Wales at the World Cup two years ago, only to succumb to a comeback after breaking out into a 10-0 lead. And it promises to be an entertaining contest, with Fiji’s DNA lending itself to an explosive brand of rugby from their dominance in the sevens format.

The contes also sees Ellis Jenkins taking the captaincy, three years removed from the Cardiff flanker’s first cap: “I’m obviously excited, but for me it’s just about trying to back up last week’s performance really. The captaincy doesn’t change too much for me. Obviously there’s a bit of decision-making and speaking to the ref, but other than that I’ll be trying to play my game in the same way as usual really.

“There’s been days where I feel really good and I think it’s going well and I’m confident. When my body’s feeling good and I’m able to train fully, then I’m confident I can play at this level and back it up. There’s obviously days when you don’t feel so good, when the doubts set in. But it’s just trying to remember where you’ve come from really, and not get too carried away with the highs or the lows.”