Wales vs Fiji
Wales welcome Fiji to the Principality Stadium for this Autumn International. These teams last played each other six years ago. The home team will be smarting from two home losses and will be desperate not to make it three in a row. They have responded to those losses by making some strange selections for this match. Josh Adam widely regarded as one of the best wingers now finds himself in the number 13 jersey. The reason given for his switch is to accommodate Alex Cuthbert on the wing. Cuthbert has not played for Wales since the 2017 season and his club form was not special to warrant a recall to the national tea. Fiji will play the only way they know how and that is to throw the ball around. The Welsh defence will need to be at its best in this match.
TIP: The match will come down to the attack of the Fijians against the Welsh defence. The Fijians have made a few changes for this match bringing in super star wingers Eroni Sau and Josua Tuisova. Both these wingers have been playing at various European teams and will know the Welsh players very well and we know they will be looking to run through the Welsh defence. The Wales team will once again look to their Lions number 10 Dan Biggar to control the game and guide his team around the field. The bookies have Wales as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.18, Playabets 1.18 and Sunbet 1.15
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Wales vs Fiji
- Wales have won the last four matches between the sides.
- Fiji have only beaten Wales once in six attempts, that win coming in the 2007 World Cup.
- Wales won the last encounter between the sides 29-17.
Latest results for both teams
Wales lost their last match against South Africa 23-18 while Fiji beat Spain 43-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Wales team will want to keep the match well-structured as the Fijians are at their most dangerous when the game is open. The visitors have the flair and power throughout their team but their problem in the 15 man game has always been their scrum. I think they finally can hold their own against most teams with front row players like Sam Matavesi and Peni Ravai. The latter in particular is a strong scrummager and is an excellent in the loose as well. Wales must be careful when they kick as the Fijians have a deadly back three. The Wales bench is much stronger than the Fijians and I expect the home team to win it in the last quarter by 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Wales
15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Josh Adams, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Louis Rees-Zammit, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Taine Basham, 7 Thomas Young, 6 Ellis Jenkins (c), 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Rhys Carré
Fiji
15 Setareki Tuicuvu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Vilimoni Botitu, 11 Eroni Sau, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Viliame Mata, 7 Mesulame Kunavula, 6 Albert Tuisue, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Api Ratuniyarawa, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Peni Ravai
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Wales victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.18
Playabets 1.18
Sunbet 1.15
Odds comparison on the Fiji handicap:
The complete odds on the Fiji handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+13.5) 1.85
Playabets (+11.5) 1.92
Predictions and Odds in details
Wales will try and dominate in the forwards so that the Fijians don’t get the platform to launch their dangerous backs. Fiji have one of the most powerful number 8s in Europe in Viliame Mata and he will have the difficult task of getting the Fijians over the advantage line. The home teams selection of Josh Adams in the centre means they want to get him more in the game. He is deadly with the ball and along with Louis Rees-Zammit pose the major threats to the Fijians.There are poor returns on the Wales win but for a value bet I suggest the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+12.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+13.5) 1.85 and Playabets (+11.5) 1.92
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
