Welsh forwards ‘probably in better shape than we ever have been’

WALES V FIJI

Robin Mcbryde says Wales are recharged and ready to go, ten days after they toppled Australia and took charge of Pool D. Victory over Fiji, whom they have beaten at the last two World Cup tournaments will secure a last-eight spot before the Six Nations Champions’ final group game against Uruguay next Sunday.

Wales have not topped their pool with a 100 per cent record since the inaugural World Cup 32 years ago but are now firmly on course to achieve that feat.

“We are in a good place,” assistant coach and forwards specialist Mcbryde said. “We’ve had a ten-day break, and we’ve been able to get recharged.

“From a forwards point of view, we are probably in a better shape than we ever have been. All 18 players are fit, well and ready to go.

“We are ready for the final push with a big two games.”

Wales’s competition for places is underlined by their back-row riches.

Flanker James Davies and No 8 Ross Moriarty are both handed first starts of the tournament, Josh Navidi switches to blindside, with Aaron Wainwright on the bench and Justin Tipuric not involved.

Moriarty said: “I’ve got the start on Wednesday, and I am really excited for it. I’ve been working hard in training, and it has been great competition in the back-row and we are all fit and firing.

“It won’t be easy, but we have been working hard in the last week and we’ve done our analysis. We will have to close Fiji down in defence, and in attack we want to get points on the board.”

Wales have beaten Fiji nine times in 11 meetings, and it will be a major surprise if they do not maintain that record under a closed roof at the 40,000-capacity Oita Stadium.

“They are big men, and we are aware of that threat,” Mcbryde said. “We’ve got to make sure, collectively, we work well, get really tight and match them. Historically, we always get stronger the more time we spend with each other.”