The Rugby World Cup opening weekend culminates with a clash between Fiji and Wales tonight.
Warren Gatland’s side have been through an intense 15-week period of training camps to put a difficult year for Welsh rugby behind them at this autumn’s tournament in France.
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Fiji, however, will be confident after they beat England for the first time ever at Twickenham last month.
They certainly have the tools to hurt a Wales team who remain unconvincing.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Wales vs Fiji is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off time today, Sunday September 10, 2023.
The Stade de Bordeaux will host the match.
Where to watch Wales vs Fiji
TV channel: In the UK, Sunday night’s game will be broadcast live on free-to-air channels ITV1 and on S4C in the Welsh language.
Live stream: ITVX and S4C Online will offer a live stream service online.
Live blog: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated live match blog.
Wales vs Fiji team news
Taulupe Faletau is fit to feature for Wales despite missing all three warm-up games last month with a calf problem, while Jac Morgan will captain the side.
Dewi Lake is not included due to a lack of training time, though George North makes his 17th appearance at the Rugby World Cup in midfield alongside Nick Tompkins.
Fiji, meanwhile, were dealt a huge blow on the eve of the tournament after Caleb Muntz suffered a knee injury and was duly forced to pull out of the squad.
Wales vs Fiji lineups
Wales XV: L Williams; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar, G Davies; G Thomas, Elias, Francis, Rowlands, Beard, Wainwright, Morgan (c), Faletau.
Replacements: Dee, Domachowski, Lewis, D Jenkins, Reffell, T Williams, Costelow, Dyer
Fiji XV: Droasese; Ravutaumada, Nayacalevu (c), Radradra, Habosi; Tela, Lomani; Mawi, Matavesi, Tagi; Nasilsila, Cirikidaveta; Tuisue, Tagitagivalu, Mata
Replacements: Ikanivere, Ravai, Doge, Mayanavanua, Botia, Kurukvoli, Tuisova, Maqala
Wales vs Fiji prediction
There is a real feeling that Fiji can claim a big scalp to kick off their campaign in France but the loss of star man Muntz is a major blow.
Wales simply have to win and do have enough to edge it.
Wales to win, by over 5 points.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Fiji’s sole win over Wales to date came during the pool stage of the 2007 Rugby World Cup, also held in France. They have lost each of the last five meetings, however, including a 38-23 loss in Cardiff in November 2021.
Wales wins: 11
Fiji wins: 1
Draws: 1
Wales vs Fiji latest odds
Wales to win: 8/15
Fiji to win: 17/10
Draw: 17/1
