| Venue: Stade de Good, Good Date: Saturday, 16 Sept Kick-off: 16:45 BST |
| Protection: Dwell BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Dwell Sports activities Further, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport web site & app; stay textual content commentary on BBC Sport web site & app. |
Wales head coach Warren Gatland says he was delighted with the 32-26 World Cup victory over Fiji, however admitted his crew made some “dumb selections” in a frantic remaining quarter.
Gatland’s facet had constructed up a 32-14 lead earlier than conceding two late tries and nearly shedding the Pool C thriller in Bordeaux.
“I used to be delighted with the consequence, I believed there have been numerous positives,” stated Gatland.
“We additionally made some dumb selections.”
Gatland stated his coronary heart was in his mouth in the previous few moments as Fiji centre Semi Radradra dropped the ball with the Wales attempt line at his mercy within the remaining play of the sport.
“With seven minutes to go I questioned about simply happening to the altering rooms and ready till the ultimate whistle,” stated Gatland.
“There have been some good learnings from immediately as effectively for us to take ahead.
“I believed the way in which we ready, the sport plan took a bit little bit of time. At 65 minutes on the clock we had been comfy and we would have liked to manage that.
“We gave away some pointless penalties, misplaced a bit little bit of composure, and allowed Fiji with the crew and people they have, they will harm you.
“We confirmed some nice braveness in sure features and I am delighted with this consequence.”
Wales had been dealing with a Fiji facet who had been three locations increased than Wales in World Rugby’s rankings.
“I believe it is fairly vital for us,” stated Gatland.
“Fiji had in all probability gone into the sport as favourites and with everybody anticipating them to win.
“The arduous work we put in I am completely delighted with that. We have at all times been a crew that builds on confidence and will get higher in tournaments.
“In order that’s thrilling. Fiji are a high quality crew, a few of their athletes and people can actually trigger issues.
“We dominated territory and possession within the first half and had achieved what we needed to attain, after which we regarded very comfy and in management in that first 20 minutes within the second half [before] we put ourselves below stress.
“I used to be pissed off and indignant in regards to the final interval of the sport, but it surely’s about being trustworthy and ensuring we study from it.”
Biggar evokes Wales
Man-of-the-match Dan Biggar demonstrated his frustrations on the finish of a primary half the place he launched two indignant outbursts at team-mate George North.
“I did not have an issue with it,” stated Gatland.
“It is about making individuals accountable. At occasions in that first half, there have been alternatives for us to place the ball via the fingers and shift with ball in hand or perhaps a kick possibility as effectively.
“We used that little bit an excessive amount of area, received some nice turnovers and we in all probability weren’t as clear on a few of our communications or decision-making as we would have liked to be.
“There’s nothing improper with gamers by way of difficult one another. We would like that as a part of the group so that everybody is accountable.
“That peer stress is big by way of that and taking duty. These kind of criticisms aren’t private. We discuss it being a degree of care.
“It is in regards to the crew and people getting higher as a result of we should be comfy with being vital.”
Biggar kicked 12 factors and left the sector carrying a small damage when Wales had been main by 18 factors earlier than Fiji launched their fightback.
Gatland famous that Biggar had starred for Wales on the birthday of his late mom Liz, who died in 2021.
“I believe it was his mom’s birthday immediately, so it was fairly emotional for him,” stated Gatland
“He’d say that he hoped she was wanting down on him and perhaps that is the case. For a bit time frame he had again spasms which he is been having, so we made that change.”
Victory gave Wales a lift of their bid for quarter-final qualification after Australia defeated Georgia within the Pool C opening match on Saturday.
Wales face Portugal in Good subsequent Saturday earlier than additional group video games in opposition to Australia in Lyon on 24 September and Georgia in Nantes 13 days later.
