Preview: Wales v Fiji

 

For Warren Gatland and his men it was another case of running out of puff that let the Wallabies in and saw them emerge victorious, it should be a different affair this time – even with a very different looking team.

 

Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland return as Wales half-backs to face Fiji with Phillips taking over from neck-injury victim Rhys Webb.

 

Dan Biggar's groin strain gives Priestland his chance amid eight changes after the 33-28 defeat by Australia.

 

Recalled James Hook is on the bench and Scott Williams is back from injury at centre, but Jonathan Davies is absent.

 

Liam Williams switches to fullback and Leigh Halfpenny (concussion) is out.

 

Gatland said Webb would have started against the South Sea Islanders but was ruled out with a neck injury.

 

Scarlets centre Scott Williams returns alongside Jamie Roberts in midfield with George North back on the wing.

 

"Jonathan Davies is still not 100% right," said coach Gatland of the Clermont Auvergne player's shoulder problem.

 

For the Fijians, Ospreys centre Josh Matavesi will face Wales at flyhalf, the Cornish-born player is among five changes to the side that lost 40-15 to France last weekend.

 

Nemani Nadolo takes over from Lepani Botia to partner Leicester's Vereniki Goneva in midfield.

 

Matavesi comes in for Jonetani Ralulu while Asaeli Tikoirotuma and Waisale Nayacalevu replace wings Watisoni Votu and Alipate Ratini.

 

Fiji coach John McKee confirmed that Botia and Ratini could not go to Wales for personal reasons.

 

Mckee added: "I am very happy with the squad, I have been able to name for this match. The return of Goneva to the team and Nadolo to the starting line-up adds strength and experience to our backline.

 

"Josh Matavesi, who unfortunately was unavailable for the France match due to injury, will be looking to make his mark in the playmaker position in this important match, less than 12 months from when these two teams will meet at the same venue at the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

 

 

For Wales: The return of George North on the wing should hopefully see him feel a little more comfortable and also see him with more space against the porous Fijians. Mike Phillips is a character that always offers something when he is on the field and will definietly be one to watch.

 

For Fiji: Crusaders man Nemani Nadolo really shone for the New Zealan team this year and with him at centre exoect the giant back to do some damage in the midfield. The Welsh will be very familiar with Josh Matavesi and as such he will be keenly watched.

 

Head to head: The battle of the backs should be an epic one with the Fijians chock of large, powerful runners – but the Welsh have the fire power to match it with the likes of North and Roberts.

 

2011 Wales won 66-0, Hamilton (World Cup pool match)

2007 Fiji won 38-34, Nantes (World Cup pool match)

 

 

Wales: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland,9  Mike Phillips, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins (captain).

Replacements: 16 Emyr Phillips, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Rhodri Jones, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 James King, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 James Hook, 23 Cory Allen.

 

Fiji: 15 Metuisela Talebula, 14 Waisale Nayacalevu, 13 Vereniki Gonevam, 12 Nemani Nadolo, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Nicola Matawalu, 8 Masi Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.

Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutwa, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Jonetani Ralulu, 23 Timoci Nagusa.