Fiji knock Wales out of World Cup

7 Sept - 20 Oct, 2007

Rugby World Cup Blog | 606
Official World Cup website

Wales 34 (10)
Tries: Popham, S Williams, G Thomas, M Jones, M Williams
Cons: Hook, S Jones (2)
Pens: S Jones

Fiji 38 (25)
Tries: Qera, Delasau, Leawere, Naevo
Cons: Little (3)
Pens: Little (4)

A late try from Semisi Naevo saw Fiji dump Wales out of the World Cup and set up a quarter-final clash with S Africa.

Wales' open style played into Fiji's hands, big hits and strong running leading to tries from Akapusi Qera, Vilimoni Delasau and Kele Leawere.

Alix Popham, Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas and Mark Jones brought Wales back, and Martyn Williams' 73rd-minute interception try looked the clincher.

But the islanders rallied, Naevo bullying over from short range.

It was Fiji's first win in nine games against Wales and sees them advance to their first quarter-final since 1987.

With a record of six wins from 20 games in charge of Wales, coach Gareth Jenkins' position will now come under serious question.

More to follow...

Wales: Gareth Thomas (capt); Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, James Hook, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Chris Horsman, Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Colin Charvis, Martyn Williams, Alix Popham.
Replacements: Thomas Rhys Thomas, Duncan Jones, Ian Gough, Michael Owen, Mike Phillips, Jamie Robinson, Dafydd James.

Fiji: Kameli Ratuvou; Vilimoni Delasau, Seru Rabeni, Seremaia Bai, Isoa Neivua; Nicky Little, Mosese Rauluni (capt); Graham Dewes, Sunia Koto, Jone Railomo, Kele Leawere, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Semisi Naevo, Akapusi Qera, Sisa Koyamaibole.
Replacements: Vereniki Sauturaga, Henry Qiodravu, Wame Lewaravu, Aca Ratuva, Jone Daunivucu, Norman Ligairi, Sireli Bobo.

Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

Source: BBC Sport