Wales are drawn in the same pool as Georgia, Australia, Fiji and Uruguay at the tournament and their south sea opponents got their preparations off to a flying start as they beat the Māori All Blacks 27-10 in Suva.
It was the first time since 1957 they had managed to beat their Maori counterparts and underlined the danger they pose to all their group rivals. Wales have played Fiji twice before at the World Cup, losing to them in Nantes in 2007 and beating them in New Zealand four years later.
Two tries from Stade Francais Paris centre Waisea Nayacalevu led the way for coach John McKee’s side in their famous victory. They now face a return clash in Rotorua this weekend.
“It was an excellent start to our campaign. It is always tricky at the start of any campaign, especially having the players coming back from overseas and not having a lot of game time,” McKee told the Fiji Times.
“The way the boys came together and fought really hard for each other and came out victorious was a good start. We are expecting some tough competition in Rotorua and my intention over these first two games is to give everyone who is fit for selection an opportunity to have some game time.”
The victory thrilled a packed crowd at the ANZ Stadium in Suva and earned the side praise from the highest of quarters. After witnessing the historic triumph in person the country’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, added his congratulations in a special Facebook post:
“This win is only the beginning. The road to the Rugby World Cup in Japan won’t be easy. It will take hard work on the field, and it will take passionate support from the fans, both at home and overseas. This afternoon, we couldn’t have asked for a more inspired performance to kick off that effort.”
The Fijians made the most of a strong wind at their backs by opening the scoring with a try by London Irish full back Alifereti Veitokani. Next over the Maori line was Edinburgh No 8 Vili Mata and the power of the home side was emphasised by the half-time statistics, which revealed the visitors had missed 21 tackles.
The 12 point interval lead was increased by the first of Nayacalevu’s tries, which the hugely impressive Racing 92 outside Ben Volavola converted before adding a penalty. Two tries to left winger Sean Wainui gave the Māori All Blacks some hope late in the contest, but Fiji proved to be too good and sealed their eighth-straight win in Suva.
Fiji: Alivereti Veitokani; Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Lepani Botia, Filipo Nakosi; Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani; Peni Ravai, Sam Matavesi, Manasa Saulo, Albert Tuisue, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Semi Kunatani, Viliame Mata
Reps: Mesulame Dolokoto, Eroni Mawi, Kalivati Tawake, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemani Nagusa, Henry Seniloli, Sevanaia Galala, Kini Murimurivalu
