Dan’s the man to save Wales
England, and they found themselves in all sorts of bother here, coughing up two penalties that allowed Ben Volavola to get Fiji on the board.
Yet despite their dominance in the scrum, the speed and physicality of the Welsh defence reduced Fiji to playing sevens- style rugby, their runners often isolated and relying on individual brilliance. More often than not, Wales had them just where they wanted them right up to half- time.
It began to unravel after the break. The Welsh tactics required accuracy, particularly in the kickchase and tackle, and discipline – but both went out of the window. That, along with their rush to go too wide too early, played straight into Fiji’s hands.
Fiji enjoyed a purple patch, and it contained the try of the tournament, which started on their own 22 when Alex Cuthbert fumbled a scoring interception and ended in a fl ash when Niki Goneva, the Leicester centre, dived over beside the Welsh posts. Suddenly they were within a score.
Warburton gathered his troops for one fi nal effort, kept their play simple and direct and, apart from a few scares, they gained territory and momentum, and two Biggar penalties ensured victory.
Wales have 10 days before their fi nal game, and the luxury of watching with their feet up while their rivals run themselves into the ground at Twickenham tomorrow.
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Cons: FIJI – Try: Pens:
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