Wales v Fiji – Rugby World Cup LIVE: Warren Gatland names five players set to make their tournament debut as they look to start their season with a win

Advertising

Follow Mail Sport’s live blog for the latest as Wales take on Fiji in their opening game of the year Rugby World Cup.

Gatland is aware of the threat posed by Fiji

Fiji earned plenty of praise for their win over England at Twickenham last month and Wales are certainly aware of the threat they will pose tonight.

Gatland told ITV that his Wales team were in good shape before the game.

He says it is the best Fiji team he has ever played against and they are much more structured than before.

Fiji team

Fiji will be without the injured Caleb Muntz

5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta

14 Selesitino Ravutaumada

Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere 17 Peni Ravai 18 Mesake Doge 19 Temo Mayanavanua 20 Levani Botia 21 Simione Kuruvoli 22 Josua Tuisova 23 Sireli Maqala

The Welsh team faces Fiji

Louis Rees Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Gareth Thomas, Will Rowlands and Jac Morgan, who all start for Wales, are playing in their first World Cup

15 Liam Williams (Kubota Spears – 85 caps)

14 Louis Rees Zammit (Gloucester Rugby – 27 caps)*

13 George North (Ospreys – 114 caps)

12 Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 28 caps)*

11 Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 50 caps)

10 Dan Biggar (RC Toulonnais – 109 caps)

9 Gareth Davies (Scarlets – 69 caps);

1 Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 22 caps)*

2 Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 34 caps)

3 Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 72 caps)

4 Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 25 internationals)*

5 Adam Beard (Ospreys – 47 capsules)

6 Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 39 caps)

7 Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 11 caps) Captain*

8 Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 100 caps)

Substitute
16 Elliot Dee (Dragons – 43 caps) 17 Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Rugby – 2 caps)* 18 Dillon Lewis (Harlequins – 51 caps) 19 Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 7 caps)* 20 Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 10 caps) * 21 Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 48 caps) 22 Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 4 caps)* 23 Rio Dyer (Dragons – 9 caps)*

*Player taking part in the first Rugby World Cup

Josh Adams believes Wales will face “probably the toughest Fiji team” ever

Josh Adams says Wales will face possibly the toughest Fiji team they have ever faced.

blank

A defeat against Wales would not be a surprise

Mike Brown says it would be no surprise if this inexperienced Welsh side ended up losing to Fiji

blank

Wales fans gather

The Welsh fans are definitely looking forward to the game at the Stade de Bordeaux.

Wales fans outside the stadium before the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool C match at the Stade de Bordeaux, France. Picture date: Sunday September 10, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story RUGBYU World Cup Wales. Photo credit should read: David Davies/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use is subject to limitations. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent of the rights holder.

Welcome

Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of Wales v Fiji as Warren Gatland’s side begin their tournament in impressive fashion.

Maureen Mackey

Maureen Mackey is a WSTPost U.S. News Reporter based in London. His focus is on U.S. politics and the environment. He has covered climate change extensively, as well as healthcare and crime. Maureen Mackey joined WSTPost in 2023 from the Daily Express and previously worked for Chemist and Druggist and the Jewish Chronicle. He is a graduate of Cambridge University. Languages: English. You can get in touch with me by emailing: maureenmackey@wstpost.com.

Related Articles

Back to top button