[2015 RWC] Pool A: Wales vs. Fiji (01/10/2015)

[Belvedere]

On your first point, Nadolo is a winger, and as devastating as wingers can be, they're bit players. On injuries though, how many players are out for Wales now after their win over England? I've honestly lost count...

As for the timing of the match, sure it is, but so what? Your statement is what I was replying to, and your statement assumes an easy Wales 4 try bonus point that has yet to happen.

Nadolo is Fiji's best attacking runner and also their best goal kicker.

His absence is a huge blow.

Last World Cup we beat them 66-0 as they had lost their first two games and were effectively out of the tournement.

I cannot see us loosing to Fiji.

I am however extreamly anxious about the possibility of not getting a try bonus point.

 

[ABs2011]

On your first point, Nadolo is a winger, and as devastating as wingers can be, they're bit players. On injuries though, how many players are out for Wales now after their win over England? I've honestly lost count...

As for the timing of the match, sure it is, but so what? Your statement is what I was replying to, and your statement assumes an easy Wales 4 try bonus point that has yet to happen.

Your post makes me seriously wonder how much of Nadolo you have seen play?

He almost single handedly sparked the Crusaders into life 2 seasons ago, he was quite phenomenal! Other than Nakarawa he really is Fiji's only other truly world class player. His absence is a huge blow for Fiji.

 

[RoosTah]

Nadolo is Fiji's best attacking runner and also their best goal kicker.

His absence is a huge blow.

Last World Cup we beat them 66-0 as they had lost their first two games and were effectively out of the tournement.

I cannot see us loosing to Fiji.

I am however extreamly anxious about the possibility of not getting a try bonus point.

I can't see Wales losing either, but I don't think the absence of a winger, even one as effective as Nadolo, will change the game too much. They've still struggled to score tries with him and it's been their defence that's been more the issue for other sides.

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Your post makes me seriously wonder how much of Nadolo you have seen play?

He almost single handedly sparked the Crusaders into life 2 seasons ago, he was quite phenomenal! Other than Nakarawa he really is Fiji's only other truly world class player. His absence is a huge blow for Fiji.

Mate, I'm a Tahs fan, so I'm well aware of how devastating he can be lol. I just don't see his absence as completely changing the complexion of the game... Fiji's defence has been a big part of their effectiveness so far, and a defence is made of more than one (admittedly exceptionally good) winger.

 

[ABs2011]

I can't see Wales losing either, but I don't think the absence of a winger, even one as effective as Nadolo, will change the game too much. They've still struggled to score tries with him and it's been their defence that's been more the issue for other sides.

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Mate, I'm a Tahs fan, so I'm well aware of how devastating he can be lol. I just don't see his absence as completely changing the complexion of the game... Fiji's defence has been a big part of their effectiveness so far, and a defence is made of more than one (admittedly exceptionally good) winger.

You might be right. I think Fiji could be in this game, but if they don't have their minds on the job the will lose no question. For me its one of those games where the outsider does have a legitimate shot at an upset, but alternatively Fiji could lose by 30+. Time will tell. It's a shame Nadolo won't be there though - love watching him play!

 

[RoosTah]

To be honest, the biggest shame about Nadolo is that he's not playing for the Wallabies! He grew up in Brisbane and has a thicker Aussie accent than me haha. Still can't believe we let him slip...

 

[TRF_heineken]

Nadolo's absence is a massive blow to keep this game competitive from Fiji's point of view. And Volavola's kicking has been a bit dismal in this tournament. But with that said, if this is going to become a loose game, Fiji might just run in a few tries...

 

[AzaMatt]

Nadolo's absence is a massive blow to keep this game competitive from Fiji's point of view. And Volavola's kicking has been a bit dismal in this tournament. But with that said, if this is going to become a loose game, Fiji might just run in a few tries...

does matawalu ever play on the wing for fiji? i recall him occasionally playing there for glasgow and he did pretty well, ridiculous pace

 

[81st_Minute]

I think Fiji's chances are being seriously underrated. Bookies are offering around $5.00 for a win, I think it should be closer to $3.00.

 

[valley commando]

I think Fiji's chances are being seriously underrated. Bookies are offering around $5.00 for a win, I think it should be closer to $3.00.

Wales were 11/4 with some bookies to bt England I think 9/2 would be a fair price on Fiji for Thursday, what price a draw between England and Oz bookies are saying 28/1 with England at 5/6 and Oz 13/10 to win.

 

[AzaMatt]

wales team being announced at 11am and fiji at midday

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Wales have announced their team...

Wales: M Morgan; A Cuthbert, T Morgan, J Roberts, G North; D Biggar, G Davies; G Jenkins, S Baldwin, T Francis; B Davies, AW Jones; D Lydiate, S Warburton, T Faletau.

Reps: K Owens, A Jarvis, S Lee, L Charteris, J Tipuric, Ll Williams, R Priestland, J Hook.

 

[MojoPin]

wales team being announced at 11am and fiji at midday

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Wales have announced their team...

Wales: M Morgan; A Cuthbert, T Morgan, J Roberts, G North; D Biggar, G Davies; G Jenkins, S Baldwin, T Francis; B Davies, AW Jones; D Lydiate, S Warburton, T Faletau.

Reps: K Owens, A Jarvis, S Lee, L Charteris, J Tipuric, Ll Williams, R Priestland, J Hook.

Surprised to see M Morgan starting ahead of Anscombe to be honest, but I guess he's been in camp for longer now. Bit worried about that - not sure he's up to the defensive demands that Australia will place on Wales the following week. Elsewhere it's all pretty much as expected I guess except for Hook on the bench - I would have played him there as well but not at the expense of Gareth Anscombe.

Still think Fiji are going to be a tricky team to get past - their no. 10 may not be the best goalkicker but his kicking out of hand and general playmaking seem pretty good from what I've seen so far. Matthew Morgan is going to have to be sharp - biggest potential weakness on the field as far as I can see and I'd be amazed if Fiji didn't target him. But hey, if he's ever going to step[ up this is the time to do it - he's got amazing potential as a player so will be keeping my fingers crossed for him!

 

[AzaMatt]

Surprised to see M Morgan starting ahead of Anscombe to be honest, but I guess he's been in camp for longer now. Bit worried about that - not sure he's up to the defensive demands that Australia will place on Wales the following week. Elsewhere it's all pretty much as expected I guess except for Hook on the bench - I would have played him there as well but not at the expense of Gareth Anscombe.

Still think Fiji are going to be a tricky team to get past - their no. 10 may not be the best goalkicker but his kicking out of hand and general playmaking seem pretty good from what I've seen so far. Matthew Morgan is going to have to be sharp - biggest potential weakness on the field as far as I can see and I'd be amazed if Fiji didn't target him. But hey, if he's ever going to step[ up this is the time to do it - he's got amazing potential as a player so will be keeping my fingers crossed for him!

agree about morgan/Anscombe. was expecting Anscombe to start at full back as i dont think morgan would have been taken to begin with if Anscombe had been fit. Morgan has a big step up and he might get targeted as you said but i believe he's up to the challenge. i expect to see lots of kicks towards cuthbert too, he really needs to start regaining his form. interesting to see which morgan hook will replace when he comes off the bench, as he seems to be covering either. Priestland i would assume is covering 10 and not 15. owens is unlucky not to start but im sure he will explode off the bench again

 

[Willodell100]

I think not picking Charteris is a mistake.

Fiji's lineout is better than most. Watch out for Leone Nakarawa. He is excellent at reading the lineout and probablly the best lock forward in the world when the game breaks up.

 

[AzaMatt]

I think not picking Charteris is a mistake.

Fiji's lineout is better than most. Watch out for Leone Nakarawa. He is excellent at reading the lineout and probablly the best lock forward in the world when the game breaks up.

considering the work chateris put in when he came on last sat its suprising he didnt get a start in this game. if we start to struggle in the lineout b.davies might get subbed quite early on.

 

[tompaton7]

Looks like Gatland will be wanting good impact from his bench again with Owens, Charteris, Lee, Tipuric and Hook all to make an impact. He obviously wants to finish the game strong. Maybe that's part of his plan to have a fresh lock and prop on at that point. Cause if we have a scrum or lineout five metres from the line at the end with the game in the balance, I'd want Lee and Charteris to be defending it. I guess time will tell.

 

[dullonien]

It's not a bad Welsh team at all. I would have started Cherteris personally, but I can see the reasoning behind having the strong impact from the bench.

The backline which is decimated by injury, has a lot of potential. The midfield combo of Roberts & Morgan has a nice balance to it, with the pace and skill of Morgan complimenting Roberts' power well. Morgan is still very raw though, so it's a big ask for him to step up and be our first choice 13 for the rest of the tournament. Having to play Cuthbert is a disappointment, we've just got to hope that he can somehow turn things around, and start playing like we know he can again. Morgan at fullback adds real excitement, but I worry how secure he'll be under the high ball and as our last line of defence.

With a little luck, these players will slot in nicely, and produce some good rugby. We certainly haven't lost any creativity with these enforced changes.....

 

[TRF_heineken]

I have added both announced teams to the OP.

 

[dullonien]

Matawalu also out for Fiji. He's another big loss for them, very dangerous player.

 

[WaterboySA]

I can't see Wales losing. I also can't see Fiji ending the game with 15 men, and that will cost them. I HOPE they manage to keep all tackles legal, and keep 15 players on the field.

 

[tompaton7]

Surprised to see M Morgan starting ahead of Anscombe to be honest, but I guess he's been in camp for longer now. Bit worried about that - not sure he's up to the defensive demands that Australia will place on Wales the following week. Elsewhere it's all pretty much as expected I guess except for Hook on the bench - I would have played him there as well but not at the expense of Gareth Anscombe.

Still think Fiji are going to be a tricky team to get past - their no. 10 may not be the best goalkicker but his kicking out of hand and general playmaking seem pretty good from what I've seen so far. Matthew Morgan is going to have to be sharp - biggest potential weakness on the field as far as I can see and I'd be amazed if Fiji didn't target him. But hey, if he's ever going to step[ up this is the time to do it - he's got amazing potential as a player so will be keeping my fingers crossed for him!

Anscombe is not quite fit yet according to Gatland. He'll be ready for Australia and could have a role to play apparently.