Wales hold on to edge Fiji in classic

BORDEAUX - Wales opened their Rugby World Cup 2023 campaign with a nail-biting 32-26 win over Pool C opponents Fiji in front of 41,274 mostly Welsh supporters at Stade de Bordeaux.

Josh Adams scored an early try for Wales but Fiji hit back with scores from captain Waisea Nayacalevu and flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu before George North's try helped Wales into an 18-14 half-time lead.

Louis Rees-Zammit collected Jac Morgan's cross-kick to extend Wales's lead and after Levani Botia knocked on over the line, Elliott Dee's converted try with 13 minutes left - after a yellow card for Fiji's Lekima Tagitagivalu - put Wales 32-14 clear and seemingly out of sight.

But Fiji refused to lie down and Josua Tuisova's score sparked a late onslaught, Peni Ravai having a score ruled out for a double movement before Mesake Doge crossed with two minutes left, and only a Semi Radradra knock-on in the dying seconds allowed Wales to cling on.