Beauty and brutality - six unforgettable Wales v Fiji games

Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Wales and Fiji have met 15 times in Test matches - including the infamous game at the 2007 Rugby World Cup Every rugby supporter loves watching Fiji. Ask the players, and they might tell you a different story. From Waisale Serevi weaving through impossible gaps to Rupeni Caucaunibuca leaving defenders clutching at air, and from the raw power of Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova to generations of fearless runners willing to attack from anywhere on the field, no nation has blurred the line between beauty and brutality quite like Fiji. Former Wales captain Sam Warburton once described the 2015 Rugby World Cup meeting as the toughest match of his career. Wales won that day, but only after surviving an 80-minute collision with one of rugby's most unique teams. The two nations have met only 15 times in official Tests, yet almost every meeting has produced a moment that has become part of rugby folklore. Before Saturday's latest chapter (14:10 BST), BBC Sport looks back at six of the most unforgettable. Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Wales finished third in Pool B behind runners-up Fiji after their shock 2007 World Cup defeat in Nantes Mention Wales v Fiji to supporters of a certain generation and they still wince. Needing victory to reach the quarter-finals, Fiji produced one of the greatest wins in Rugby World Cup history to knock Wales out in Nantes. At the time, it was regarded as one of the biggest shocks the tournament had ever seen. Fiji have beaten Wales twice since, pushed them to the brink in two more World Cups and now arrive in Cardiff as favourites. What felt extraordinary in 2007 has gradually become expected. Ironically, one of the game's finest moments belonged to Shane Williams, whose breathtaking solo try looked more Fijian than Welsh. The consequences were enormous. Gareth Jenkins lost his job as Wales head coach, while hundreds of Welsh supporters who had already booked flights and hotels for the quarter-finals travelled to Marseille anyway – this time to cheer on Fiji against South Africa. Heartbroken by what had happened, many could not help but admire the team that had done it. Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Warren Gatland's side prevailed in a titanic 2023 World Cup encounter in Bordeaux If 2007 was the biggest result, this may have been the greatest game. For long periods in Bordeaux, Wales were hanging on. By the final whistle they had completed an astonishing 248 tackles – the most ever recorded by any nation in a men's Test match. With Wales clinging to a six-point lead, Semi Radradra had one final opportunity. Had the last pass stuck, Fiji looked destined to score. They topped the pool and reached the quarter-finals, but Fiji quickly proved their performance had been no one-off. A week later, they beat Australia before pushing England deep into the quarter-final, eventually losing only after the favourites pulled away in the closing stages. It was the tournament that confirmed Fiji were no longer simply dangerous outsiders. They were a genuine force. Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Josua Tuisova scored to help seal a famous first Fiji win in Cardiff 2024 Autumn Nations Series: Wales 19-24 Fiji For decades Fiji terrified opponents with their brilliance. This victory showed they could do something else. Reduced to 14 men for much of the contest after a red card, Fiji ground out their first victory in Cardiff. For a nation once known almost exclusively for instinct and attacking flair, it felt like another significant step in their evolution. Perhaps that is the biggest reason they arrive as favourites this weekend. Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Wales victory over Fiji in Oita saw them through to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals Sometimes one passage of play tells the story better than an entire match. Barely six minutes had elapsed in Oita when Fiji packed down five metres from the Welsh line. The ball was whipped blind to Josua Tuisova. Josh Adams barely had time to set himself. Josh Navidi came across to help. Navidi prides himself on winning collisions. This time, even he became a passenger on Tuisova's back as the giant centre powered over the try-line. Two of Wales' toughest defenders had been brushed aside in one of the most extraordinary displays of power ever seen on a Rugby World Cup stage. Wales eventually recovered to win 29-17, with Adams scoring a hat-trick as they battled through another ferocious contest before reaching the World Cup semi-finals. Even now, mention Tuisova to Adams and it still brings a wry smile. Rees-Zammit reverts to Wales wing for Fiji Test Published22 hours agoTandy pleased player dispute over before Fiji opener Published19 hours agoThe love affair 1964: Wales XV 28-22 Fiji (not an official Test) Strictly speaking, this was not an official Test. Wales fielded a Wales XV rat

Beauty and brutality - six unforgettable Wales v Fiji games

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