Wales 32-26 Fiji: Elliot Dee scores bonus point try as Welsh open World Cup campaign with hard-fought win

Wales were forced to withstand a rousing fightback from Fiji to complete a tension-packed 32-26 bonus-point win in a pulsating Rugby World Cup Pool C match in Bordeaux.

Fiji famously defeated Wales 38-34 to end their 2007 World Cup hopes and saw Semi Radradra mishandle yards from the Welsh try line in overtime when another iconic victory looked likely.

Warren Gatland’s side had built a 32-14 lead on 67 minutes courtesy of tries from Josh Adams (7′), George North (29′), Louis Rees-Zammit (48′) and Elliot Dee (66′).

But a gallant Fiji – fresh from a landmark 30-22 win over England at Twickenham last month – were a constant menace as tries from Waisea Nayacalevu (13′), Lekima Tagitagivalu(17′), Josua Tuisova (73′) and Mesake Doge (78′) ensured a grandstand finish with Wales celebrating like they had won the tournament after Radradra agonisingly lost control of the ball in the dramatic final play of the match.

The outcome means Fiji will need to overcome Australia in Saint-Étienne next Sunday to maintain a realistic hope of reaching the quarter-finals with Wales next meeting Portugal in Nice on Saturday.

Australia began their campaign with a 35-15 win over Georgia on Saturday.

It was interesting watching Wales and Fiji battle for supremacy in an epic match that was peppered with glorious effort and error in equal measure in Bordeaux.

Even when Wales moved 32-14 clear with 13 minutes remaining, they could not bolt the door on a Fiji side reduced to 14 men when Corey Domachowski needlessly joined Lekima Tagitagivalu in the sin bin for the closing moments amid a rash of offsides.

Over 20,000 Welsh fans were left to fret as they feared their side were about to blow a huge lead in the closing minutes, but somehow they clung on after Semi Radradra’s late handling error.

“I’m delighted with the win, but we made it a hell of a lot harder for ourselves than we needed to,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“Typical Fiji, they never say die and they get a sniff of something and they want to come back in.”

We know which one was prettier to watch on Sunday, but you rarely win trophies in rugby for aesthetic value.

Gatland would prefer the superior game management skills of the Springboks.

The iconic Welsh fly-half was a picture of focus as he kicked two penalties and three conversions, but rallied his team-mates to recover after they trailed 14-8 in the first period with a powerful running Fiji side threatening to turn the match into a sevens contest.

Biggar’s intense will to win and experience were vital in turning the tide despite being in discomfort due to a back injury. Showed what a miss he will be when he retires after this tournament as his 12 points saw him become his country’s leading World Cup points scorer with 109, overtaking Neil Jenkins’ haul of 98.

Wales: Liam Williams 7, Louis Rees-Zammit 7, George North 7, Nick Tompkins 7, Josh Adams 7, Dan Biggar 8, Gareth Davies 7; Gareth Thomas 7, Ryan Elias 7, Tomas Francis 7; Will Rowlands 8, Adam Beard 7; Aaron Wainwright 7, Jac Morgan 7, Taulupe Faletau 7

Fiji: Ilaisa Droasese 7, Selesitino Ravutaumada 7, Waisea Nayacalevu 7, Semi Radradra 7, Vinaya Habosi 7, Teti Tela 7, Frank Lomani 7, Eroni Mawi 7, Samuel Matavesi 7, Luke Tagi 7; Isoa Nasilasila 7, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 7, Albert Tuisue 7, Lekima Tagitagivalu 8, Viliame Mata 7

7′ WALES TRY! What a start for the Welsh as Josh Adams races over the Fiji line to get that scoreboard moving. An 8-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes for Wales. Brilliant piece of play.

13′ FIJI HIT RIGHT BACK! All a bit fortunate it must be said as the ball breaks kindly for captain Waisea Nayacalevu just outside the 22 to charge through. The Wales defence parted like the Red Sea. Worrying as Frank Lomani adds the conversion. Suddenly we’re back at 8-7. All happening out there.

17′ A STUNNING SCORE FROM FIJI Wales just not handling the pace and movement of the sevens experts as Semi Radradra produces a lovely pass for Lekima Tagitagivalu to charge through. And it is a second try for Fiji. What a start to this match! Lomani adds the conversion and Fiji move 14-8 ahead.

29′ NORTH CELEBRATES RESTORING WELSH LEAD! Tompkins with a lovely short pass to George North and he picks out the space to bundle himself over. Biggar with the conversion. Wales fans back in their happy place. They lead 18-14. Defences not on top.

48′ AND WALES STRETCH THE LEAD Much happier mood for Wales as Louis Rees-Zammit pounces on a loose ball to turn and race home for the try before Biggar adds the conversion. Wales suddenly lead 25-14.

66′ AND WALES HAVE ANOTHER TRY! Elliot Dee shows Fiji how it should be done as he rumbles on to go over the Fiji line. That should be that for this match as Biggar pops over the conversion. Wales with a 32-14 lead.

73′ FIJI FINALLY FIND THEIR RANGE Well now, this match not yet over perhaps as Josua Tuisova shows his presence to power over after a typically strong show by the huge Fijian forwards. Conversion goes over and it is suddenly 32-21.

78′ FIJI FINALLY MAKE IT COUNT! Huge relief for Wales, who will have to defend another penalty only a few yards from their try line. Referee judging that was a double movement. Fiji can’t believe it, but they finally make the pressure count seconds later as Mesake Doge goes over, but they miss the conversion. 32-26 now for Wales. Need full seven points from the final surge.