Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
In a stunning match, Wales faced their 10th consecutive defeat as Fiji pulled off a dramatic victory, claiming a 24-19 win in Cardiff for the very first time in history.
Warren Gatland’s squad demonstrated early promise with a strong start, effectively utilizing their driving maul, which overwhelmed the Fijian defense. Blair Murray secured the opening try, followed by a subsequent penalty try awarded to Dewi Lake, giving Wales a comfortable lead of 14-3, with Caleb Muntz managing a singular penalty for Fiji.
However, the first half was marred by a series of yellow cards and a red card shown to Semi Radradra, disrupting Wales’s momentum. Taking advantage of the chaos, Muntz found a crucial gap in the Welsh defense to score, leaving Fiji just four points adrift at halftime. After the break, Muntz kicked two penalties that flipped the scoreline in Fiji’s favor before Josua Tuisova added to the lead with a powerful try.
Ellis Bevan entered the fray from the bench and marked the occasion with his debut try at the Principality Stadium, but a critical penalty from Muntz propelled Fiji to an insurmountable lead just as time dwindled. In a nail-biting finish, Wales failed to breach Fiji’s defense, sealing a historic win for the islanders.
Relive the action from the Principality Stadium in our live blog below:
Fiji claim historic win in Cardiff as Wales fall further into crisis
Wales slumped to a record-equalling 10th successive Test match defeat as Fiji claimed a 24-19 victory in the Autumn Nations Series, held in Cardiff.
Despite seeing wing Semi Radradra sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half, Fiji benefited from World Rugby’s new 20-minute red-card trial, allowing them to replace him early in the second period.
Ultimately, they executed just enough to add to the misery of Warren Gatland’s beleaguered side, earning a momentous victory against Wales on their home turf.
Wales’ latest defeat equaled the dismal stretch of losses experienced in 2002 and 2003 under the leadership of earlier great, Steve Hansen. The team has not been able to savor a victory since facing Georgia in a match earlier this year.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 16:06
‘Welsh rugby can’t continue like this’
Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar shared his thoughts with TNT Sports: “I suppose the decision has to be made this autumn.
“Clearly the way things are for Welsh rugby at the moment can’t continue like this. You can’t go 11, 12, 13 defeats on the spin without questions being asked.”
“It’s clearly a really really rough day for Welsh rugby and one that needs to lead to plenty of questions.”
Mike Jones10 November 2024 16:00
Muntz reacts to historic win
Speaking to TNT Sports, Player of the Match Caleb Muntz expressed: “It means a lot. We’re coming into this November tour against some pretty quality sides.”
“Last week we had to lick a few wounds and we weren’t too happy with our performance that day. So coming here, we knew that we hadn’t won here before. We had beaten Wales before, but not in Cardiff. I think even after last year at the World Cup—from that last-minute loss to them in the first game of the pool—I think it just means a lot to everyone.”
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:56
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:52
FT Wales 19-24 Fiji
(Action Images via Reuters)(David Davies/PA Wire)(David Davies/PA Wire)
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:49
Full-time! Wales 19-24 Fiji
As the final whistle blew, Fiji achieved a remarkable feat, triumphing over Wales for the very first time in Cardiff. This shocking outcome marks a troubling streak for Warren Gatland’s men, who have now gone 10 matches without a victory.
This stretch has seen Wales fail to secure a win in all contests throughout the year.
A superb game concluded with an unexpected yet commendable result.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:33
Wales 19-24 Fiji
With two minutes left on the clock, a pivotal attack had to materialize for Wales. Time was running short for them to mount a significant offensive effort.
Blair Murray made a dash into open space down the left wing, beckoning for an offload, but ended up giving the ball away. Fiji responded sharply by booting the ball downfield, while Wales reclaimed possession after a scramble.
The need for a score from deep within their own territory was a monumental task.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:29
Wales 19-24 Fiji
Instead of a potential try, Fiji earned a penalty, executed by Muntz, making it a five-point game. Wales were in dire need of points.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:27
NO TRY! Wales 19-26 Fiji
In a thrilling moment, Fiji believed they had clinched the match. A rapid run down the left side, followed by a deft pass to Caleb Muntz, who launched the ball to Vuate Karawalevu, led to a sprint for the corner and the score. However, the try was disallowed due to a Wales offside ruling, with the TMO confirming Muntz’s earlier pass had been forward.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:26
Wales 19-21 Fiji
Wales withstood wave after wave of Fijian attacks, defending valiantly just meters from their own try line, narrowly averting disaster thanks to a knock on from Fiji. Regaining composure was essential for Wales, but they would need to navigate through the following scrum.
They succeeded in booting the ball out of play, offering a brief respite.
Mike Jones10 November 2024 15:22
**Interview with Caleb Muntz after Fiji’s Historic Win Against Wales**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Caleb. Congratulations on an incredible victory! How does it feel to secure Fiji’s first win in Cardiff against such a competitive side like Wales?
**Caleb Muntz:** Thank you! It means a lot to us as a team. We knew the history going into the match; we had never won here before. To come away with a victory after all the hard work we put in, especially following our recent performance, is just fantastic.
**Interviewer:** It was a nail-biting match, with a strong start from Wales. How did you manage to turn things around after going down early?
**Caleb Muntz:** We definitely started on the back foot, and Wales played some good rugby with their driving maul. However, the red card for Semi Radradra turned things upside down. It forced us to adapt, and I think it motivated us to capitalize on the opportunities we created. We kept our heads and stayed focused on our game plan, which ultimately paid off.
**Interviewer:** You scored some critical penalties that shifted momentum. How important was your performance today?
**Caleb Muntz:** Every player contributes in their own way, but yes, converting those penalties was crucial. It gave us the boost we needed, and I just focused on executing under pressure. The team really rallied together, and we believed we could pull off this win.
**Interviewer:** The result marks ten consecutive defeats for Wales. What are your thoughts on their current form and the challenges they face moving forward?
**Caleb Muntz:** It’s tough to see a side like Wales struggle, especially with their rich history and talent. But every team goes through rough patches. The important thing for them is to regroup and figure out how to turn this around quickly. Clearly, questions will be asked, and rightfully so.
**Interviewer:** looking ahead, what does this win mean for Fiji as you continue on your November tour?
**Caleb Muntz:** This victory is a huge confidence booster. It sets a positive tone for the matches ahead and shows that we can compete with the best. We have some challenging games coming up, but this win definitely gives us momentum and belief in our abilities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Caleb, and best of luck in your upcoming matches!
**Caleb Muntz:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
