Having scored the first try of the competition, after only seven seconds, through wing Dafydd Howells, Byron Hayward’s side dispatched the Pacific Islanders with a further five tries and 18 points from the boot of outside half Angus O’Brien.
O’Brien failed to convert Howells’ quick-fire try, but Wales were 14-0 to the good inside a dozen minutes courtesy of three penalties from the Cross Keys and Newport and Gwent Dragons’ pivot.
Fiji struck back in the 14th minute with a try from prop Aseri Robarobalevu, but Wales no.8 James Benjamin restored order for Wales, with a try that O’Brien once again failed to improve.
To their credit, Fiji, kept their heads above water and even helped themselves to the game’s fourth try – from centre and captain Akuila Tabualevu. Elia Mroisio converted to make it 19-12.
O’Brien, once again, responded with a penalty, before Japanese referee Akihisa Aso awarded Wales the first of two penalty tries. O’Brien converted from in front of the posts taking the half time score to 29-12. O’Brien repeated the dose, a dozen minutes into the second half when the young Dragons were again awarded a penalty try. With Wales dominating up front, Fiji were twice down to 14 men, with yellow cards for lock Lote Nasiga in the 24th minute and Robarobalevu on the stroke of half time.
With the game safely won, Wales improved their points difference with further tries from Benjamin and replacement Ben Roach. Fiji bagged their third try inbetween when Peniona Toga crossed for Josese Kurukava to convert.
Wales team manager Mark Taylor said, “We gave Fiji a lot of respect for what they can do in loose play so worked hard on our set-piece and tight play. Our pack did an excellent job, with Fiji often unable to cope with the pace, their infringements in the driving line-out leading to two yellow cards.
“It was tough in places, and our defensive organisation needs some work, after conceding three tries.
“However, the bonus point win is exactly what we needed to get the tournament off to a good start, it gives us a good platform to work on.”
Wales scorers:
Tries: Dafydd Howells, James Benjamin (2), penalty tries (2), Roach
Cons: Angus O’Brien (3)
Penalties: O’Brien (4)
Fiji scorers:
Tries: Aseri Robobalevu, Akuila Tabualevu, Peniona Toga
Cons: Elia Mroisio, Josese Kurukava
Wales team:Â v Fiji: Ashley Evans (Ospreys, Ethan Davies Dragons 64); Tyler Morgan (Dragons), Steffan Hughes (capt, Scarlets, Joshua Adams Scarlets 40), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys); Angus O’Brien (Dragons), Luc Jones (Dragons, Tom Williams Blues 59); Nicky Smith (Ospreys, Callum Lewis Blues 64), Ethan Lewis (Blues, Elliot Dee Dragons 54), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys, Benjamin Leung Scarlets 64), Joe Davies (Dragons, Ben Roach Blues 54), Rory Thornton (Ospreys), Olly Cracknell (RGC), Scott Matthews (Dragons, Will Boyde Carmarthen 64), James Benjamin (Dragons).
The match will be screened on S4C this evening at 9.30pm.
