It ended 32-26 to Wales in Bordeaux and the two sides are due to resume their rivalry in the opening game of the Autumn Nations Series at Principality Stadium on Sunday, 10 November.
Before then, Warren Gatland and his coaching team will get a chance to check out the Fijian ‘Class of 24’ when they take part in the Pacific Nations Cup. They kick off this weekend with a home clash with Samoa in Suva.
You have to go back 100 years for the first game between Fiji and Samoa and the rivalry that has built up between the two Pacific Island rivals over that time is as fierce as it ever has been. No quarter asked, none given!
The Fijians have won nine of the 15 matches played between the two nations in the Pacific Nations Cup. Hooker Tevita Ikanivere will lead the home side in what is expected to be an explosive encounter.
Ikanivere came off the bench in the game against Wales in France last year, coming on when Wales led 32-14.
“I’m honoured and humbled to be selected as captain for this tournament. It’s a great privilege and something I didn’t anticipate,” said Ikanivere.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead, especially with a lot of new players joining the team. We aim to create some history together.
“Having played against Samoa for several years, I know it will be a physical battle. No team likes to lose on their home ground, and I’m sure Samoa will come out with a strong desire to bounce back from last year’s loss.”
Fiji are in Pool A with Tonga and Samoa, while Japan, Canada and the USA comprise Pool B. The Canadians have former Wales flanker Kingsley Jones as their head coach, while the former Ebbw Vale, Bristol Bears and Ospreys wing Toby Fricker will be hoping to win his first cap for the American Eagles.
This year’s Pacific Nations Cup is being organised by World Rugby in partnership with the six participating unions with the aim of elevating global rugby competitiveness ahead of the expanded Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Gatland can vouch for the competitiveness of the Fijians from his time with Wales and will no doubt be planning as meticulously as ever ahead of the Autumn Nations Cup opener in November. That game will be a big target for the Welsh side as they look to halt a run of nine successive Test defeats.
To do that they will need the backing of a big crowd in the Welsh capital. The Welsh fans were the 16th man in Bordeaux last year and the team will be hoping for a full house.
\The Fijians will be seeking their first win over Wales in Cardiff and will have had the benefit of playing together internationally throughout the Pacific Nations Cup ahead of the Autumn games.
