Wales and Fiji set to clash in Cardiff

Both teams have been named for Thursday’s crucial Pool A match between Wales and Fiji at the Millenium Stadium. With Wales now on the ascendency thanks to a famous upset over England, they must beat Fiji to keep their quarter-final prospects alive, and do so on just four days rest. Fiji will be relatively fresh, having a full seven days off since they faced Australia, also in Cardiff.

Warren Gatland has named three changes to his starting team, all enforced. Tournament-ending injuries to Hallam Amos and Scott Williams see Alex Cuthbert and Tyler Morgan step in, while concussion to Liam Williams gives Matthew Morgan an opportunity to start at fullback. The only change on the bench is the arrival of James Hook, freshly recalled to the squad just a couple days ago.

Fiji have opted for six changes to the team that competed well against the Wallabies. Veteran hooker Sunia Koto is recalled at the expense of Tale Tuapati, while Dominiko Waqaniburotu returns from a one-game suspension to start on the blindside, with Peceli Yato left out of the match day squad. Captain Akapusi Qera is set to become only the third Fijian to reach the 50-cap mark, following former teammates Nicky Little and Seremaia Baï.

Suspension to giant winger Nemani Nadolo hands Asaeli Tikoirotuma a chance on the left wing, and on the right newly called up Timoci Nagusa starts in place of the man he has replaced in the squad, injured Waisea Nayacalevu. Dynamic scrumhalf Niko Matawalu has been left out, possibly due to a slight injury concern, with Nemia Kenatale running out instead. In the midfield Levani Botia takes over from Gaby Lovobalavu, the two having rotated during the build-up to the tournament.

Fiji have only beaten Wales once in their 14 meetings, 38-34 in a classic match in Nantes during the 2011 World Cup. They also drew 16-all in Cardiff in 2010. The last meeting between the two sides ended with Wales on top by a score of 17-13, also at the Millenium Stadium, in November of last year.

WALES
1 Gethin Jenkins, 2 Scott Baldwin, 3 Tomas Francis, 4 Bradley Davies, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 6 Dan Lydiate, 7 Sam Warburton (capt.), 8 Taulupe Faletau, 9 Gareth Davies, 10 Dan Biggar, 11 George North, 12 Jamie Roberts, 13 Tyler Morgan, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 15 Matthew Morgan

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Samson Lee, 19 Luke Charteris, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 James Hook

FIJI
1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Sunia Koto, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 7 Akapusi Qera (capt.), 8 Netani Talei, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 10 Ben Volavola, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12 Levani Botia, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 15 Metuisela Talebula

Replacements: 16 Vili Veikoso, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Leeroy Atalifo, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Josh Matavesi, 23 Kini Murimurivalu