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

[pat mcgroin]

fiji will put it up to wales for first 60mins then they will fade out ....wales 30 fiji 18

 

[ncurd]

I'm not laughing yet and probably won't even if England don't qualify, I genuinely feel for England fans (except the arrogant ones of course)
I am surprised at the lack of intelligence shown by Robshaw when kicking to touch, it may well be that that single decision has helped us qualify because a drawn game would have put England in the box seat.
Some time back I was slated on this forum for having a pop at Robshaw, generally my thoughts if I remember were that Warburton is a much better player and also a superior captain. The consensus from England fans was that he was maybe not a genuine 7 like Warbs and Tips, but was a better leader. It would be interesting to know how many of my detractors back then have changed their minds.

Not really I've seen a fairly reasonable defence for kicking into the corner even if I don't agree with it. I still think he's a pretty good leader but this is about decision making those are two separate things.

 

[wayevs]

Maybe dominate isn't the right word, but when it was 22 - 10 England looked like they had control of the game, their defence was very solid, as was the scrum, Wales were not in the game, save for the occasional penalty. I didn't think England played particularly well, but they put themselves in a great position to put 30 points on Wales. I was expecting England to run away with it. The fact they didn't is down to their ineptitude rather than brilliant play by the Welsh. Never has the phrase - snatching defeat from the jaws of victory - been more apt...

I obviously wasn't as shocked as you, we were only ever 10 points down England I always felt we were in the game tbh , England werent exactly battering pur tryline and had to keep infringing at the breakdown , and they did have a few scrummaging decisions go their way allbeit dubious ones. As I said England did have the upper hand not disputing that but domination hell no

- - - Updated - - -

fiji will put it up to wales for first 60mins then they will fade out ....wales 30 fiji 18

I'll take that !

 

[Ospreylian]

As long as Wales don't get dragged into a game of 7s for the first 50 minutes I think they will be fine. It's when teams try and play Fiji with an unstructured flamboyant attacking style that they tend to come unstuck. Scrum and lineout need to be perfect as those are two areas we really need to establish the upper hand in early on. I would look to play the territory game, play the first 40 in their half and look for penalties, then when a few points have been knocked over try and expand Wales' attacking game in the final 20/30 minutes by bringing on Tipuric, Hook, Lloyd Williams etc.

 

[HaydnH]

play the first 40 in their half and look for penalties, then when a few points have been knocked over

I can see us kicking to touch for tries early on going for the bonus point, possibly going down a few points to Fiji pens and coming back a bit like the start of the Uruguay game.

 

[wayevs]

I can see us kicking to touch for tries early on going for the bonus point, possibly going down a few points to Fiji pens and coming back a bit like the start of the Uruguay game.

If playing a territory game and hitting the lines is the plan then surely charteris would be starting , I think the plan is to take it up the middle through the forwards keeping it tight initially until earnng the right to go out wide. You don't want to kick to much ball against Fiji because if your not accurate the Fijians eyes light up

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

Wales can be vulnerable to the Pacific Islanders when Welsh confidence is low, perhaps after a number of other defeats, where players are tiring after a lot of high intensity games, and in need of a break, and most importantly when the Islanders can name their best 15.

None of these are really true at the moment.. Confidence must be high, fitness higher (granted lots of injuries) and Fiji can't name Matawalu or Nadolo. Can't see anything but a Wales win - probably by 15 +

 

[Belvedere]

Wales can be vulnerable to the Pacific Islanders when Welsh confidence is low, perhaps after a number of other defeats, where players are tiring after a lot of high intensity games, and in need of a break, and most importantly when the Islanders can name their best 15.

None of these are really true at the moment.. Confidence must be high, fitness higher (granted lots of injuries) and Fiji can't name Matawalu or Nadolo. Can't see anything but a Wales win - probably by 15 +

The most Accurate assesment ive seen on here tbh

I am still shocked that some are predicting a Fiji win.

If we do not get a Bonus point against Fiji, I will not be happy.

I should imagine that is also how Gatland feels despite the nesesary respect shown in media engagements.

 

[welsh wizard]

Wales 33 Fiji 16. 5 points In the bag

 

[Belvedere]

Wales 33 Fiji 16. 5 points In the bag

Seconded!

With two try's for Cuthbert.

 

[Maverick1987]

Seconded!

With two try's for Cuthbert.

Right now we do know your taking the **** ! Haha

 

[welsh wizard]

Seconded!

With two try's for Cuthbert.

Jus might be pushing the boat out a little. . Ha ha :O

 

[Ospreylian]

Right now we do know your taking the **** ! Haha

Are you kidding??? Cuthbert would be the first name on anyone's World XV with the kind of silky skills shown below, without a doubt. #betterthansavea

 

[valley commando]

Not really I've seen a fairly reasonable defence for kicking into the corner even if I don't agree with it. I still think he's a pretty good leader but this is about decision making those are two separate things.

yes but surely decision making is an integral part of being a good leader.

 

[RedCard]

Wales have to go looking for the bonus point win to stay in control of their own destiny. Don't want to be relying on Oz or England results.

 

[Belvedere]

Poor Cuthers!

I guess there is a reason they call him horse.

Strong runner,

Lacks a pair of hands.

 

[Muzzy]

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.

We're missing our two best wingers Nadolo and Nayacalevu. Nadolo makes a huge difference, you can definitely notice the difference in the Crusaders when they don't have Nadolo there to get over the gain line or draw in defenders opening up spaces for others. Another of our best players Matawalu is also out injured and for some reason the coach isn't playing Peceli Yato who is one of our best forwards. He played so well against Australia but for some reason the coach isn't playing him. If we had Matawalu, Nadolo and Yato I'd say we had a real chance at winning, but with this team I can't see it happening. Not unless the Fijians really step it up to fill the void left by these players

- - - Updated - - -

Yup, man did that come back to bite me in the anus.

Anyways, I think Fiji was also a different and better team in 2007 than they are now, they nearly went on to beat SA in the QF's in 2007.

But with that said, Wales could just let this one slip due to their short period after the England game to recover and their injury list growing by the day. Whereas Fiji have only had to make a change here and there due to suspension

I'd say this Fijian team is actually better than the one in 2007. Our set pieces are way better we can actually compete at scrums now . Look at our game against Australia in 07 where we got thrashed 55 - 12 compared to last weeks. Its just a shame we got this tough draw. I'd say Fiji was the best of the three pacific island sides at the moment

 

[TobesHodges]

The Matthew Morgan pick defensively is irrelevant as Fiji don't have a kicking game, his only real duty is attack, which he is very good at, also gives Wales a second play maker, can slot in at 10 if biggar gets caught up, something I can't remember Wales ever having which can only be a good thing..

That Wales pack alone will win this game, very strong pack, will create plenty of space out wide..

Good luck both teams

 

[Blackdevil]

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...

you have enough fijians players in your team

matawalu is the real big loss for fiji in that game

I'd say Fiji was the best of the three pacific island sides at the moment

without a doubt

 

[GarethEWilliams]

Any suggestions on where to watch the game in London? I have my Welsh shirt ready and am only working a half day. Looking forward to a couple of pints and a bonus point win. Anyone about?