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Wales v Fiji match preview

Pride on the line for a pair of Pool B teams who have shone at times during RWC 2025 but are yet to find a longed-for win

Wales have bolstered their back-row with the return from injury of co-captains Kate Williams and Alex Callender. That's a major boost for a team that has struggled at times to compete at the breakdown and are facing a Fiji side who thrive off quick ball. Despite no chance to reach the knockouts, there is plenty of pressure on the outcome. 

For Fiji, it will be all about maintaining the immense pace and physicality on show last weekend, while cutting out the errors and defensive lapses that allowed Scotland to prevail. A win would do wonders for a side that is steadily developing and undoubtedly possess a range of formidable athletes. 

Kick-off: 14:45 BST, Saturday, 6 September

Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter

If you have a ticket already, make sure you read Canada international and Exeter Chiefs legend Emily Tuttosi's Guide to her home-from-home

How to watch: Head here though if you want a last-minute ticket.

Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area. 

Wales team: 

Wales' key player: Openside flanker Bethan Lewis made a team high 21 tackles last week against Canada. Having handed over the armband to co-captains and fellow back-rowers, Williams and Callender, Lewis will be hoping to get her hands on the ball in attack, as well as continuing her defensive excellence. 

Fiji team: 

Fiji's key player: It may be surprising to name a replacement here, but check out the impact Salote Nailolo had during her 44 minutes on the pitch v Scotland: 151 metres made and three successful off-loads completed, as well as a significant hand in both of Fiji's second-half tries. 

What Wales said: 

Wales head coach Sean Lynn: 

"It looks like both teams are going to throw the kitchen sink at each other. It's going to be a brilliant battle and I’m hoping we come out on top, but I’ve asked the girls to come off [the pitch] crawling.

"They put in a real strong performance against Scotland. It’s going to be a real battle, and that’s something we’re all really excited for - we want to make sure we finish the
tournament on a high.

"They’re very exciting when they’ve got the ball in hand, and it’s just making sure that when we’ve got the ball in hand, we’re looking after it, going through the phases and testing them in defence as well."

Wales co-captain Alex Callender: 

"The tournament hasn’t gone to plan, results haven’t gone our way, but this is a game we want to win, showcase the team we are and how hard we’ve worked over the last couple of months.

"This weekend is about forwards working hard set piece wise, and the backs gelling together and complimenting each other to get over the whitewash." 

What Fiji said: 

Fiji head coach Ioan Cunningham: 

"I’ve seen the growth in the team and the growth of individuals over the last three and a half months, which has been awesome. Some of the back stories of the players is really inspiring, the journey they’ve been on and what they want to achieve, and when the team comes together and play for each other and play for their village it's powerful. 

"With Wales you lose sight of how lucky you are with the facilities.

"We have to find a field to train on. There isn’t a centre of excellence in Fiji, so we’re constantly trying to find a training venue. There is the Drua, the Super Rugby team who are excellent at supporting us.

"The people are unbelievably friendly, and they want to help as much as they can. The squad is really tight, they want to do as much as they can to get the best prep.

Fiji second-row Asinate Serevi: 

"It’s (being the daughter of Fiji sevens legend Waisale Serevi) a lot of responsibility, but that’s something I knew I was getting in to when I decided to play rugby, and the one thing I keep telling myself. My dad tells me every single time that we’re building our own legacy.

"You get another Serevi, but you also don’t get the same one. I think I play defence better than my dad ever did, so it’s awesome that he can play defence but I can play both."

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