Wales battle past 14-man Fiji

Wales withstood a late Fiji fightback to record an unconvincing 17-13 victory in Cardiff on Saturday.

The hosts made eight changes to their starting lineup, but none of the players who came into the side made a case to be included for the upcoming Tests against the All Blacks and Springboks. 

Unconverted tries from wings Alex Cuthbert and George North put Wales ahead, before they were awarded a penalty try. Flyhalf Rhys Priestland then added the extras to give his side a 17-6 lead at the break. 

Super Rugby's joint top try-scorer Nemani Nadolo was Fiji's sole point scorer with two early penalties and a late try, which the winger also converted, despite the Pacific Islanders being down to 14 men after prop Campese Ma'afu was shown a red card after a second yellow card offence in the 52nd minute. 

Worryingly for Warren Gatland's men is the fact that they were kept scoreless in the second stanza even when they had a one-man advantage. 

Wales – Tries: Alex Cuthbert, George North, penalty try. Conversion: Rhys Priestland.
Fiji – Try: Nemani Nadolo. Conversion: Nadolo. Penalties: Nadolo (2).

Wales – 15 Liam Williams, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins (c).
Subs: 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 (c), 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Leone Nakarawa, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu.
Subs: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Jerry Yanuyanutwa, 18 Isei Colati, 19 Tevita Cavubati, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Jonetani Ralulu, 23 Timoci Nagusa.

Photo: Geoff Caddick/AFP Photo

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