Wales vs Fiji LIVE rugby: Caleb Muntz inspires visitors into historic win in Cardiff

Wales suffered their 10th defeat in a row in a historic result as Fiji came from behind to win for the first time in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland’s team started the game strongly with their driving maul particularly useful in the opening stages as Fiji looked too weak to hold them. Blair Murray went over for the first try and Dewi Lake, from another maul, picked up a penalty try to send the hosts 14-3 in front with a Caleb Muntz penalty the only score for Fiji.

As yellow cards, and a red for Semi Radradra, halted the momentum in the first half Muntz decided to turn up the heat. He darted through a gap in the Wales defence to score and send the Fijians into the break just four points behind. After the restart the fly-half kick two penalties to put Fiji ahead before the powerful Josua Tuisova increased the lead.

Ellis Bevan came off the bench to score his first try at the Principality Stadium but another penalty kic kform Muntz put Fiji too far ahead with time running out. Wales couldn’t get in during a thrilling closing minute and Fiji claimed a famous win.

Relive the action from the Principality Stadium in our live blog below:

Wales vs Fiji LIVE

• Wales lose to Fiji in their Autumn Nations Series opener

• 66’ TRY! Bevan scores to keep Wales in the contest (WAL 19-21 FIJ)

• 61’ TRY! Josua Tuisova extends Fiji’s lead (WAL 14-21 FIJ)

• 24’ TRY! Muntz darts through a gap to score (WAL 14-10 FIJ)

• 14’ PENALTY TRY! Lake is held up illegally (WAL 14-3 FIJ)

• 8’ TRY! Murray sprints down the wing and goes over (WAL 7-0 FIJ)

Fiji claim historic win in Cardiff as Wales fall further into crisis

16:06 , Mike Jones

Wales slumped to a record-equalling 10th successive Test match defeat as Fiji claimed a 24-19 Autumn Nations Series victory in Cardiff.

Despite having wing Semi Radradra sent off for a dangerous tackle midway through the first half, World Rugby’s 20-minute red-card trial meant Fiji were able to replace him early in the second period.

And they did just enough to pile the misery on Warren Gatland’s team and post a first win against them in the Welsh capital.

Wales’ latest defeat matched a run of losses set in 2002 and 2003 under Gatland’s fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen, and they have not tasted success since beating 2023 World Cup pool stage opponents Georgia.

Fiji claim historic win in Cardiff as Wales fall further into crisis

‘Welsh rugby can’t continue like this'

16:00 , Mike Jones

Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar told TNT Sports: “I suppose the decision has to be made this autumn.

“Clearly the way things are for Welsh rugby at the moment can’t continue like this. You can’t go 11, 12, 13 defeats on the spin without questions being asked.

“It’s clearly a really really rough day for Welsh rugby and one that needs to lead to plenty of questions.”

Muntz reacts to historic win

15:56 , Mike Jones

Speaking to TNT Sports, Player of the Match Caleb Muntz said: “It means a lot we’re coming into this November tour against some pretty quality sides.

“Last week we had to lick a few wounds and we weren’t too happy with our performance last week.

“So coming here, we knew that we hadn’t won here before, we had beaten wales before but not here. I think even after last year at the world cup - our last-minute loss to them in the first game of the pool - I think it just means a lot to everyone.”

FT Wales 19-24 Fiji

15:52 , Mike Jones

FT Wales 19-24 Fiji

15:49 , Mike Jones

Full-time! Wales 19-24 Fiji

15:33 , Mike Jones

80 mins: Fiji have done it! They’ve beaten Wales for the first time in Cardiff. It’s a shocker for the Welsh, Warren Gatland’s men have gone 10 games without a win now.

They’ve not won at all this year.

A superb game and a fantastic result.

Wales 19-24 Fiji

15:29 , Mike Jones

78 mins: This attack has to be the one for Wales. There’s probably not enough time left for them to mount another one.

Blair Murray sprints into space on the left wing and looks for the offload which gives the ball away. In response Fiji boot the ball long and Wales get the ball back.

They need to score from inside their own half. A huge ask.

Wales 19-24 Fiji

15:27 , Mike Jones

75 mins

Instead of a try, Fiji get the penalty which Muntz kicks over the bar to make it a five point game. Wales need to score.

NO TRY! Wales 19-26 Fiji

15:26 , Mike Jones

74 mins: Fiji believe they’ve won this match. A quick dart down the left and a sweeping pass brings the ball into the hands of Caleb Muntz.

He floats it over the top and finds Vuate Karawalevu who sprints for the corner and scores. In the build-up there was a Wales offside and the TMO rules out the try because Muntz’s pass was forward.

Wales 19-21 Fiji

15:22 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Great defence!

Wales defend attack after attack just a couple of metres from their line before they’re saved by a Fiji knock on. A lack of composure gives Wales a lifeline but they’ll need to get through the next scrum.

They do and manage to boot the ball into touch.

Wales 19-21 Fiji

15:20 , Mike Jones

69 mins: A touch over 10 minutes to play and either team can win this game. There are only two points in it and neither team has been dominant enough for me to call which way it’ll go.

Caleb Muntz decides to kick a penalty into the 22 to set up wonderful field position for Fiji. If they score here things will get really tough for the Welsh.

TRY! Wales 19-21 Fiji (Ellis Bevan, 66 mins)

15:17 , Mike Jones

Yes they can!

Wales aren’t done yet. That’s a superb move from Sam Costelow. From the ruck the ball comes out to the substitute who offloads it and takes a big hit.

Wales get the overlap on the right wing though and Ellis Bevan collects the ball for a free dart at the line. The try is scored but Costelow misses the conversion meaning Wales still trail.

Wales 14-21 Fiji

15:14 , Mike Jones

63 mins: The good news for Wales is that Caleb Muntz missed his conversion so they are still within touch of the visitors. One try will out them on level terms and a penalty kick from Anscombe sends Wales inside Fiji’s 22.

Can they take advantage?

TRY! Wales 14-21 Fiji (Josua Tuisova, 61 mins)

15:12 , Mike Jones

60 mins: 20 minutes left to play at the Principality Stadium and Fiji are in the ascendancy!

Wales keep Fiji at bay a couple of metres from their try line but can’t keep up the defence. Fiji move the ball qucikly over to the right and find Josua Tuisova. He’s one-on-one with a sight of the line.

Blair Murray is held off and Fiji have their try!

Wales 14-16 Fiji

15:08 , Mike Jones

58 mins: Unlike the start of the first half most of the second half action has been in the middle third of the pitch with the Fijians landing some supremely dominant tackles.

Wales are being bullied off the ball and are struggling to get themselves a foothold in the match.

Wales 14-16 Fiji

15:05 , Mike Jones

55 mins: Wales are brave after winning a penalty inside the Fiji half. They kick for touch instead of going for goal.

From the lineout, Wales’ maul goes nowhere so they switch things up. The ball is fizzed out wide but Waisea Nayacalevu lands a huge tackle and forces Wales into retreat.

Wales 14-16 Fiji

15:00 , Mike Jones

52 mins: There’s a nervous feeling flooding aound the stadium as the home fans know that their team is under pressure. They have much hard tests to come and need to get themselves over the line today.

Wales 14-16 Fiji

14:56 , Mike Jones

49 mins: Jac Morgan is on the pitch and captaining Wales as Dewi Lake goes off. Warren Gatland has replaced the majority of the forward line with quadruple change.

Muntz continues to get spur on Fiji. He breaks the Welsh line twice to get better territory and the wins a penalty. The fly-half fizzes it over between the sticks and kicks the Pacific Islanders into the lead.

Wales 14-13 Fiji

14:51 , Mike Jones

46 mins: Wales attempt to power their way over the line from five metres out. Will Rowlands collapses to the floor under a tackle and loses the ball to a turnover.

Again the Fijians hold Wales up before the line. Rowlands took a knock to the head and there’s blood pumping down his face which needs seeing to.

Wales 14-13 Fiji

14:48 , Mike Jones

43 mins: Tommy Reffell is judged offside as he makes a tackle halting a Fijian attack. Caleb Muntz decides to kick from the resultant penalty and sends the ball over the bar 35m from the line.

It’s a one-point game now.

Second half! Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:46 , Mike Jones

Fiji get the game back underway. There’s a minute left for Semi Radradra’s red card for the visitors to wait out before they can bring on a replacement.

This match is going to go down to the wire.

Semi Radradra red card: Why was Fiji wing sent off against Wales?

14:40 , Mike Jones

Fiji wing Semi Radradra was sent off by referee Luc Ramos for a high tackle as the Pacific Islanders suffered a significant blow early in their Autumn Nations Series clash with Wales.

Radradra’s shoulder made direct, forceful contact to the head of Cameron Winnett after chasing after a kick and attempting to tackle the Welsh full-back.

Having been shown a yellow card by Ramos after the referee concluded that the challenge met the threshold required. It was then reviewed by the Foul Play Review Officer via the bunker system to determine if an upgrade was required.

Semi Radradra red card: Why was Fiji wing sent off against Wales?

HT Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:35 , Mike Jones

Half-time! Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:31 , Mike Jones

Wales get away with one at the end of the first half and head into the break with a slim lead. All to play for.

Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:30 , Mike Jones

39 mins

Wow! From the lineout Fiji decide to drive a maul of their own towards the line. The Welsh are punished for an infringement with a penalty try awarded.

However, the TMO is asked to get involved and spots Samu Tawake causing an obstruction in the build up meaning the penalty is awarded to Wales and the try is chalked off!

Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:26 , Mike Jones

36 mins: Lovely work from Fiji here. They get through 15 phases and only make a few inroads into Wales’ territory. The hosts can’t turn the ball over and give away a penalty for crawling.

Fiji decide to kick for the touch line. Half-time is creeping closer with Fiji on the cusp of the Welsh try zone.

Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:23 , Mike Jones

33 mins: Wales just haven’t had the flow or rhythm that we know they are capable of. There’s been a stop-start nature to the game and the cards haven’t helped.

The hosts win a scrum following a Fiji knock on. Tomos Williams feeds the ball and there’s a bit of argy bargy. Archie Griffin is judged to have made an error and Fiji are awarded the penalty.

Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:18 , Mike Jones

30 mins: Anscombe looks for territory with a kick over to the left side of the pitch. Fiji, despite still being down to 13 players, clear their own lines through Muntz.

The Pacific Islanders hold out until Elia Canakaivata is brought back on.

Wales 14-10 Fiji

14:15 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Semi Radradra’s yellow card has been reviewed and upgraded to a red card! Fiji won’t be able to replace him on the pitch for another 15 minutes.

Radradra himself won’t be returning.

TRY! Wales 14-10 Fiji (Caleb Muntz, 24 mins)

14:13 , Mike Jones

Incredible!

Caleb Muntz drops the shoulder and skips through a tight gap before sprinting towards the line. He’s got two defenders left to tackle him but the momentum of his run takes him over to try line.

Fiji have a try back and cut the gap on Wales.

Wales 14-3 Fiji

14:10 , Mike Jones

22 mins: Crunch!

Semi Radradra is punished for a tackle on Cam Winnett. He throws himself into the challenge and clatters the Welshman with a shoulder to the chin.

It’s a high tackle and a second yellow card comes out for the high tackle. This one will be reviewed and may get upgraded to a red. That would kill off Fiji’s resistance you’d feel.

Wales 14-3 Fiji

14:07 , Mike Jones

21 mins: Both teams are down to 14 now with Fiji surrendering their one-man advantage. The visitors are struggling to get a foothold in the game.

This is solid work from the Welsh.

PENALTY TRY! Wales 14-3 Fiji (Dewi Lake, 19 mins)

14:05 , Mike Jones

Try?! From a lineout Wales kick into a driving maul. Demi Lake has the ball and is being protected as Wales drive to the line. Elia Canakaivata looks to have held Lake up as he gets over the line but the referee isn’t happy.

He talks to the video ref and sees that Canakaivata illegally held up the ball from an offside position. He goes to the sin bin and Wales are awarded a penalty try!

Wales 7-3 Fiji

14:03 , Mike Jones

18 mins

How will Wales handle this now? They are a man down for another seve minutes or so. The hosts are controlling possession well and are taking their time inside the Fiji area.

Mason Grady was been replaced with Sam Costelow.

NO TRY! Wales 7-3 Fiji

14:01 , Mike Jones

16 mins

Tommy Reffell is shown a yellow card for a heavy clearing tackle. He led with his shoulder and found the head of his opponent meaning the incident is a sin bin offence.

Wales are down to 14 for the time being but more importantly the try is ruled out.

TRY! Wales 12-3 Fiji (Cam Winnett, 15 mins)

13:59 , Mike Jones

14 mins: Gareth Anscombe kicks the ball deep into the Fiji 22 and hosts decided against a driving maul this time. They move the ball quickly down the line with Thomas diving for a try.

He gets held up but Wales aren’t done.

Cam Winnett makes a run from deep and arrives right on que to receive the pass. He darts between the nearest two defenders and sweeps in for a try.

The referees are just looking at an incident in the build-up to that move...

Penalty! Wales 7-3 Fiji (Caleb Muntz, 11 mins)

13:55 , Mike Jones

Fiji get their first points on the board after another Welsh error gives up a penalty inside their own half. Fly-half Caleb Muntz fancies his chances from range and goes for the kick which sails in between the sticks.

Three points for the visitors.

TRY! Wales 7-0 Fiji (Blair Murray, 8 mins)

13:51 , Mike Jones

Pressure, what pressure?!

Wales fling the ball back into play from a lineout and sweep it quickly over to the left side of the pitch. Ben Thomas makes a fine one-handed catch to whips the ball out to the wing where Murray drives over the line.

The conversion is kicked and Wales move into the lead.

Wales 0-0 Fiji

13:49 , Mike Jones

7 mins

Semi Radradra looks for an offload and the ball is nicked back by the Welsh who boot it out of their own half. Fiji are being fuelled by excitement and send the ball to Radradra again.

He powers through the defence and lays the ball off before Wales give up another penalty. They’re under pressure here.

Wales 0-0 Fiji

13:47 , Mike Jones

4 mins

Fiji put tackle after tackle in as Wales lunge repeated attacks at the line. They’re making slow progress and inch by inch get closer to the first try.

They can’t get over as Fiji force a turnover and boot it long. Jiuta Wainiqolo chases after it and Fiji win a penalty of their own.

Wales 0-0 Fiji

13:44 , Mike Jones

2 mins: A driving maul from a Welsh lineout sees the hosts push their way up the pitch as Fiji throw men forward to stop the attack. The visitors give away a penalty which gets punted into touch and the Welsh get themselves inside the 22.

Another fine lineout results in a driving maul before Wales quickly move the ball out to the left and try to find a way through.

Kick off! Wales 0-0 Fiji

13:42 , Mike Jones

Here we go, Wales kick off the start if this Autum International. Let’s find see how it all plays out...

Wales v Fiji

13:38 , Mike Jones

Following a minute’s silence, the national anthems of both countries are played and kick off edges ever closer.

Anscombe returns

13:35 , Mike Jones

Fly-half Gareth Anscombe returns to the Wales squad after last appearing in the historic 40-6 World Cup win against Australia in September 2023.

“I always had in the back of my mind that I could come back for Wales,” said Anscombe. “You can give up and move on and retire, or fight to get back, and I’ve always chosen the latter,” he said.

“When you’ve been out for as long as I have and had so many setbacks, you figure out what drives you. So even during those times I’ve been out, I’ve always felt like I could, if I got myself back to fitness, add something at this level.”

A dominant fixture for Wales

13:32 , Mike Jones

Wales have very good memories of playing Fiji. They’ve won 12 of the last 14 fixtures between the sides including each of the last six meetings.

Can Warren Gatland’s men triumph today?

Wales v Fiji

13:30 , Mike Jones

Here come the players.

Wales and Fiji head out onto the pitch at the Principality Stadium and begin to observe the commemorations for Remembrance Sunday.

Wales vs Fiji match officials

13:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Luc Ramos (Fra)

Assistant Referee 1: Pierre Brousset (Fra)

Assistant Referee 2: Hollie Davidson (Sco)

TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)

FPRO: Brett Cronan (Aus)

Fiji coach Mick Byrne explains his selection

13:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“This is the strongest side we could have picked at the moment,” Byrne said. “We’ve got a good block of experience that has come in, especially in the back line.

“I think the squad highlights a good mix for us. We have got some good carry, and if we need to get across the gain-line nice and early we have got some strength there.

“We’ve got some great deception and running lines outside. It’s a good mix for us, to be able to have a good strong ball carrier at 12 and then a good distributor and line runner at 13. It gives us great flexibility in attack.

“I think when you get 11 new players come in, it almost feels fresh again. What we focus now on is Wales and that creates a whole new energy. It is a beautiful stadium, and it’s great for players to experience that.”

Fiji backs look to thrive once more

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fiji have named the same 11-14 today as lined up in their World Cup win over Australia last year, all sorts of attacking potential and potency contained within that group. In doing so, they have omitted two of their most in-form backs: Sireli Maqala and Vilimoni Botitu are both going really nicely in the Top 14 for Bayonne and Castres respectively. There is no doubting the experience of Semi Radradra, Josua Tuisova and Waisea Nayacalevu, though, and their familiarity with one another should help in combatting a lack of preparation time together, a perennial problem for the Pacific Islanders.

After a breakthrough World Cup campaign last year, we explored what the future may hold for the nation:

What’s next for Fiji after a Rugby World Cup to remember

We know importance of next few weeks, says Warren Gatland as Wales bid to find form

13:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland says his players are “are well aware of how important the next few weeks are” as Wales embark on their Autumn Nations Series campaign.

Wales kick off the autumn schedule against Fiji, which is followed by Principality Stadium appointments with Australia and world champions South Africa.

Gatland has overseen nine successive Test match defeats and Wales have only lost 10 in a row once before, which came during the 2002-03 season when his fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen was at the helm.

We know importance of next few weeks, says Gatland as Wales bid to find form

Fiji team news

12:50 , Mike Jones

Fiji make a raft of changes with their Europe-based players available after an inexperienced side were heavily beaten in last week’s out-of-window clash with Scotland. Waisea Nayacalevu is back as is named as co-captain as he looks to regain his form after a slightly slow start to the season at Sale, while Jiuta Wainiqolo has been flying in the Top 14 for Toulon. Eroni Mawi and Temo Mayanavanua should provide tight five strength.

Fiji XV: 1 Eroni Mawi, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (co-capt.), 3 Samu Tawake; 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Temo Mayanavanua; 6 Meli Derenalagi, 7 Kitione Salawa, 8 Elia Canakaivata; 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Caleb Muntz; 11 Semi Radradra, 12 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu (co-capt.), 14 Jiuta Wainiqolo; 15 Vuate Karawalevu.

Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Jone Koroiduadua, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Albert Tuisue; 21 Simi Kuruvoli, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Sireli Maqala.

Wales team news

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland hands a debut to wing Blair Murray, who was born and raised in New Zealand but qualifies via his Welsh mother. Max Llewellyn, in impressive form at Gloucester, makes his second start in the centres while club colleagues Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe provide experience in the halves. Tommy Reffell is preferred on the openside to Jac Morgan, who has been carrying a knock but is able to take up his place on a bench that includes five other forwards.

Wales XV: 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Archie Griffin; 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Taine Plumtree, 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Gareth Anscombe; 11 Blair Murray, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Mason Grady; 15 Cameron Winnett.

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Christ Tshiunza, 20 James Botham, 21 Jac Morgan; 22 Ellis Bevan, 23 Sam Costelow.

Wales vs Fiji talking points: Gareth Anscombe deserves a break

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Few players in world rugby during recent seasons have suffered more on the injury front than Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe.

A major knee issue ended his 2019 World Cup hopes before the tournament started, and meant two years out of the game, then a groin problem suffered during the 2023 World Cup signalled another 13 months away from the international arena, which also resulted in Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath cancelling his registration with them.

Refreshed and revitalised by a move to Gallagher Premiership club Gloucester this season, the 33-year-old is ready to go again and Wales have welcomed him back with open arms.

Wales vs Fiji talking points: Experience key for Wales

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Retirements and injuries post-2023 World Cup were major factors behind new-look Wales squads that had an inexperienced feel to them.

Head coach Warren Gatland’s 35-strong autumn group contains 17 players with single-figure caps, but a number of key performers – players like Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Will Rowlands and Adam Beard – are back after missing the summer tour to Australia, and their collective contribution could prove significant in helping Wales find a way to get over the finishing line.

Dewi Lake: It is time for Wales to start building momentum after losing run

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Dewi Lake has urged Wales to “turn over a new leaf” when they begin their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Fiji.

The Wales captain leads a team desperate to avoid suffering a record-equalling 10th successive Test defeat that would match an all-time low of 2002 and 2003.

It is approaching 400 days since Wales last posted a Test triumph – a 43-19 World Cup pool-stage victory over Georgia – since then they have finished bottom of the Six Nations without a win and also lost to Australia (twice), South Africa and Argentina.

Dewi Lake: It is time for Wales to start building momentum after losing run

Gareth Anscombe says Wales will be wary of Fiji’s firepower

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Anscombe has underlined the challenge facing Wales when they look to open their Autumn Nations Series campaign with victory over Fiji.

The countries clash for the first time since an epic 2023 World Cup pool game in Bordeaux that Wales won 32-26.

Wales, though, had to make a staggering 253 tackles in the match and withstand a ferocious Fiji fightback from 18 points adrift that included a last-gasp missed opportunity when unmarked centre Semi Radradra spilled possession.

Gareth Anscombe says Wales will be wary of Fiji’s firepower

Mike Forshaw urges Wales to be ‘aggressors’ against Fiji

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mike Forshaw says that Wales have “got to be the aggressors” when they target ending a nine-Test losing run in their Autumn Nations Series opener against Fiji.

Wales have not won a Test match since beating 2023 World Cup opponents Georgia almost 13 months ago.

Defeat to Fiji on November 10 – Wales have won seven and drawn one of the previous Cardiff encounters between the countries – would equal their all-time worst losing run of 10 Tests set in 2002 and 2003.

Mike Forshaw urges Wales to be ‘aggressors’ against Fiji

Warren Gatland includes uncapped wing Blair Murray in Wales side to face Fiji

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wales boss Warren Gatland has named uncapped Scarlets wing Blair Murray in his team for today’s Autumn Nations Series opener against Fiji.

New Zealand-born Murray steps into the Test match arena after just six games for the Scarlets.

The 23-year-old, whose mother is from Tonyrefail in the Rhondda, has done enough to earn a starting place ahead of experienced Dragons wing Rio Dyer.

Warren Gatland includes uncapped wing Blair Murray in Wales side to face Fiji

Wales vs Fiji LIVE

Friday 8 November 2024 15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Welcome along to The Independent’s LIVE coverage of Wales’s opening Autumn Nations Series Test against Fiji. It’s been a year to forget so far for Warren Gatland and his callow side, a first win of 2024 still eluding them as they begin their November campaign.

Can a squad bolstered by a few senior figures return Wales to winning ways? Or will this dangerous Fijian side claim another significant victory after wins over England and Australia last year?

Kick off is at 1.40pm GMT.