Filed under: Rugby Union, Rugby World Cup, Wales Rugby
It was never in any doubt was it? Wales shrugged off all notions of Fiji being one of their bogey teams by storming to a nine-try shutout to book their place in the quarter finals.And yes, there will be those who will say it was only Fiji who finished second-bottom of the group, but the manner of Wales' victory and their ability to prevent thei oopponents from scoring will have been noticed.
Wales were one try to the good after just five minutes as Jamie Roberts ran over following good work from Sam Warburton at the line-out.
Scott Williams, George North and Warburton added more tries to send Wales with a 31-0 lead at the break. And the margin was such that coach Warren Gatland saw fit to make a host of changes at half time to save legs for the knockout stages.
Roberts got his second but it was the vision of North that allowed it, as he took the ball from Priestland before making a swerving run down the pitch.
Even hooker Lloyd Burns got in on the action, bulldozing his way through two tackles for a try just before the hour mark. Eight minutes later Leigh Halfpenny added one more, before Lloyd Williams got one more.
Jonathan Davies provided the final flourish a minute before the final whistle, getting on the end of another impressive move from the Welsh backs.
MOVE OF THE MATCH: Roberts second try. This was all about George North and his scintillating running. After taking the ball from halfway, through three Fijian defenders, he does a one-two with Roberts, who crossed over with little fuss.
WHAT IT MEANS: Wales have grown into this tournament and will head into the quarter finals full of confidence. Fiji can take solace from the fact they didn't finish bottom of the pool.
REACTION:
Wales captain Sam Warburton was predictably over the moon:
It's brilliant, it is something we worked hard for the last four years for. Our defence held strong and that was a target for us.
Coach Warren Gatland said the first goal has been achieved:
"We knew we were in a really tough group so the first goal was to make the quarter finals. Now it is one thing at a time.
"We said before the game 'we are too fit, too big, too powerful and hopefully too smart'. It was a good balanced performance in tough conditions."
Wales (31) 66)
Tries: Roberts (2), S Williams, North, Warburton, Burns, Halfpenny, L Williams, J Davies
Conversions: Priestland (5), S Jones (4)
Penalties: Priestland
Fiji (0) 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Wales: Byrne 7, North 9, S. Williams 7, Roberts 8 (J Davies 65), Halfpenny 8, Priestland 8 (S Jones 60), Phillips 8 (Williams 55, 7), Jenkins 7 (Adam Jones 74), Bennett 6 (Burns 37, 7), A. Jones 6 (James 60), B. Davies 7 (Wyn Jones 40, 7), Charteris 6, R. Jones 7, Warburton 8, Faletau 7 (Powell 55, 7).
Replacements: James
Fiji: Keresoni 5, Vulivuli 6 (Goneva 70), Fatiaki 6, Lovobalavu 6, Tagicakibau 5, Little 5, Buatava 6, Nailago 7, Koto Koto 5 (Veikoso 40, 6), Somoca 5, Nakarawa 7, Lewaravu 6, Nasiga 6 (Qera 62), Matadigo 6 (Ravulo 55), Talei 6.
Replacements: Veikoso, Ma'afu, Ranuku, Bai.
Man of the match: North. He has bags of potential but the confidence and vision he displayed against Fiji showed he is more than ready to far in the World Cup.
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