12 Sep 2023

Fiji lose to Wales in a thrilling rugby world cup match

From , 6:01 am on 12 September 2023
Fiji's inside centre Semi Radradra, left, runs with the ball as Wales' full-back Liam Williams, centre, tries to tackle during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Fiji at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, south-western France on September 10, 2023.

Fiji's inside centre Semi Radradra runs with the ball as Wales' full-back Liam Williams tries to tackle during the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between Wales and Fiji at Stade de Bordeaux. Photo: AFP

The Flying Fijians came excruciatingly close to winning their first game of the Rugby World Cup, but it was not to be.

Fiji pressed for a try at the death but a dropped ball saw Wales hold on, 32-26.

Wales had previously led 32-14 before Fiji came roaring back.

Captain and earlier try-scorer Waisea Nayacalevu told Sky Sport it's tough but they will learn from it.

RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist Iliesa Tora is in Bordeaux and he spoke with RNZ Pacific Editor, Koroi Hawkins shortly after the Wales match.