Friday cover: Wales seal win over Fiji, but not in finest fashion

The National's Sport cover for the Friday, October 2 issue, featuring Wales as they stayed on course for quarter-finals qualification at the Rugby World Cup by beating Fiji.

Geoffrey Riddle was in Cardiff for the match, and writes:

“Wales’ scrum, however, struggled markedly against the Fiji eight all night and the home side gave away needless penalties that allowed the visitors a continuous lifeline.

“Wales top the pool with 13 points, but if England beat Australia at Twickenham tomorrow and then secure the bonus point against Uruguay a week later the hosts will proceed as winners on 15 points.

“That would leave Wales in a dogfight for second place against Australia on October 10 at Twickenham, an eventuality Gatland hardly relishes.”

Riddle also tips his cap to the ousted Fijians:

“By playing England at Twickenham and Wales and Australia here in Cardiff, Fiji have had to play the world’s second, third and sixth-ranked side inside 13 days with only Uruguay left next week.

“You have to feel for all of those Fijians back home who wanted to watch the three matches. They had to get up in the early hours to witness their team slump to their sixth successive World Cup defeat. With match tickets outside the ground selling for over £200 (Dh 1,111) and a match programme priced at £10, the small travelling band of Fiji supporters must wonder whether it was all worth it.”

Said Fiji coach John McKee:

“It is very frustrating to be at this point with no points on the table,” coach John McKee said. “We had high expectations and a talented group of players. We worked really hard but to play England, Australia and Wales in 13 days is very tough for any team.

“It is credit to the team how we have stood up to those teams and been competitive.”

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