Ahead of this game, Warren Gatland talked about the ‘ecstasy’ and ‘agony’ that comes with coaching international rugby and the fine margins between the two.
Gatland hoped for the former. He acknowledged the Test arena is, ultimately, a results business.
And that is why he looked so pained as his Wales team, despite showing signs of promise yet again, suffered a 10th straight Test defeat after losing to Fiji. The agony continues.
Wales’ losing run of internationals has now equalled the worst in the country’s history, one which previously came under Steve Hansen in the early 2000’s.
Wales looked good in spells. But, they are a team that simply doesn’t know how to win right now and Fiji pounced for what was only their second win over Wales.
Ahead of this game, Warren Gatland talked about the ‘ecstasy’ and ‘agony’ that comes with coaching international rugby and he looked in pain after today’s defeat
His Wales side have lost 10 Test matches in a row despite showing improvement against Fiji
Fiji pounced on a Wales team unfamiliar with winning and secured just their second victory over them
They were undoubtedly helped by the introduction of the new 20-minute red card rule.
Semi Radradra nearly took off Cameron Winnett’s head, but the fresh directive meant he was able to be replaced and Fiji’s numerical deficit didn’t last too long.
It was undoubtedly a crucial moment. Fiji received three yellows – and Radradra’s was upgraded to red – but they still had enough as they preyed on Wales’ shortcomings.
Wales and Gatland are now in trouble. This, really, was a must-win game and they fell short with a revived Australia, who beat England, and world champions South Africa to come.
After an initial spell of early pressure came to nothing, Wales debutant Blair Murray was at first called into defensive duty as he raced back to cover a Fiji clearance.
Murray is not the biggest. But he did well under some monster Fiji tackling to retain possession before showing what he could do in attack.
It was Ben Thomas who created his score, the Cardiff centre showing lovely sleight of hand in the tackle to get the ball away to his outside backs. From there, Murray was given an easy finish and Gareth Anscombe converted.
Fiji were always going to be dangerous. Radradra proved that, standing up Max Llewellyn and then racing clear.
Semi Radradra was a beneficiary of the new 20-minute red card rule
Blair Murray was at first called into defensive duty before scoring a first-half try
Wales were having a lot of joy in the early stages but Caleb Muntz kicked a penalty for Fiji
That came before Murray’s score. Caleb Muntz did kick an away penalty. Wales’ attack, guided by Anscombe at fly-half, was having joy.
But what would have been a second for Winnett was chalked off for a dangerous ruck clear-out in the build-up from Tommy Reffell on Radradra.
Not only was the try ruled out, but Reffell was yellow carded. Mason Grady then followed him off, this time due to injury.
On came Sam Costelow, a fly-half, on the wing with Wales only having two backs among their replacements. In fairness, the backs weren’t needed initially.
The Welsh pack got to work and referee Luc Ramos awarded a penalty try and sent Elia Canakaivata to the sin bin for sacking a red driving maul.
The cards kept coming, Radradra next to see yellow for his dangerous tackle on Winnett.
But even with Fiji down to 13, they scored from nowhere. Muntz dashed through midfield, past Will Rowlands, and the petite fly-half was still too much for Winnett and Murray combined.
It was a poor score for Wales to concede, Muntz improving his own effort. However, Radradra’s yellow was then almost immediately upgraded to a sending off via the bunker review system. The new 20-minute red card system being trialled in this month’s matches meant Radradra was able to be replaced after that time period.
Muntz then dived over the line for a try despite the away side being down to 13 men
Josua Tuisova was never going to be stopped and suddenly Wales were chasing the game
But, before that happened and with Fiji down to 14, their pack drove forward. Ramos initially awarded a penalty try, but it was ruled out for obstruction.
Fiji were back to 15 for the start of the second half with Radradra replaced, the first time a 20-minute red card substitute had been used this month since the World Rugby trial was introduced.
Player of the match Muntz immediately kicked a penalty to narrow Wales’ lead to one.
Gatland responded with four forward replacements, a whole new front row appearing alongside flanker Jac Morgan.
Costelow remained on the right wing, Gatland’s bench split proving to be a gamble that didn’t pay off.
Muntz’s third penalty put Fiji ahead for the first time. Wales then butchered a fine try-scoring chance. Murray had a walk in out wide, but Thomas dropped the ball.
Gatland held his hands on his head in the coaching box. His frustration was obvious.
It soon got worse. The momentum had gone from Wales’ game. Winnett failed to claim a high ball and Fiji pounced, spreading the ball left and right.
Ellis Bevan – a scrum-half – came on to the wing and scored late on but it was not converted
Things soon got worse as Muntz scored another penalty to start yet another Welsh inquest
Eventually, the numbers proved too much. Josua Tuisova was never going to be stopped. All of a sudden, Wales were in trouble. They had to chase the game.
Gatland removed Anscombe, moved Costelow to 10, and brought Ellis Bevan – a scrum-half – on to the wing.
It worked, Bevan scoring just minutes after coming on after nice hands from Thomas, but Costelow couldn’t convert and Wales remained two adrift.
And there was still time for it to get worse. Tuisova, the man they call ‘the bus’ brushed off Tomos Williams like a rag doll and although a try was ruled out for a forward pass, play was brought back and Muntz’s boot started yet another Welsh inquest.
