Wales will be out to finally out an end to their record nine-game losing streak when they take on Fiji at the Principality Stadium on Sunday. Shaun Goosen previews.
2024 Autumn Nations Series
Wales v Fiji
Sunday 10 November, 15:40
Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Wales have endured a nightmare run over the last year, with their last win this calendar year coming against Super Rugby franchise, the Queensland Reds. Fiji, meanwhile, have struggled to recature the form they showed during the 2023 Rugby World Cup and were battered last week by Scotland.
To Win Match
Wales 7/20 | Draw 20/1 | Fiji 23/10
Handicap
Wales (-6.5) 9/10 | Fiji (+6.5) 9/10
Warren Gatland’s side haven’t picked up a Test win since beating Georgia at last year’s World Cup and are in desperate need of a positive result this November. With the Welsh game having endured a rough few years, fans of the Dragons will be hoping to hang their hat on something positive when the Fijians visit Cardiff.
With seismic challenges against Australia and South Africa still to come this month, Wales simply have to grind out a result this weekend, and given the Pacific Islanders’ trouble with ill-discipline last week, they should manage just that.
Despite the hosts’ much-publicised struggles of late, it’s difficult to envisage how the same Fijian outfit that just fell to a 17-57 loss at Murrayfield can possibly challenge a focused Welsh unit. Fiji gave away 10 penalties in the first half alone a week ago, and copped two yellow cards in a dismally poor showing from the Pacific Nations Cup winners.
If Wales stick to a traditional Warrenball approach built on physicality and a strong kicking game, Fiji could be in for a long afternoon.
Verdict: Wales (-6.5) 9/10
Get on Wales to put some pride back into their game by picking up a big win over Fiji here. This moderate handicap shouldn’t prove too difficult to clear provided Wales stick to the basics.
