Well after 13 months of waiting the Flying Fijians have given us a redemption story that will fuel the Nations pride and the Talanoas beside the tanoa for years. The Wee hours of Monday morning had a buzz about it, with a sense of De Ja Vu with a hint of hope.
After the Rugby World Cup loss, (along with loads memes about officiating) and all that jazz, we as a nation have waited patiently for the rematch, not going to lie we were waiting for retribution. As we all know Principality Stadium in Cardiff is no walk in the park.
Wales took an early lead after winger Blair Murray scored a converted try before Muntz converted a penalty to trail 7-3 in the first 10 minutes of the match. Wales extended their lead to 14-3 after they were awarded a penalty try in the 19th minute following an infringement by Fiji. Number 8 Elia Canakaivata was then yellow carded for this violation. Fiji was further reduced to 13 men after Semi Radradra was yellow carded for a head contact while going in for a tackle which was then upgraded to a red card after further review by the TMO.
All seemed to be lost until Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Caleb Muntz pulled off a well-worked try in the 24th minute after a beautiful break inside Wales’ territory and converted his own try to help Fiji trail 14-10.
Wales held a slight 14-10 lead at the break.
Fiji started the second half strongly and scored 11 points through two penalty kicks by Muntz and an unconverted try to center Josua Tuisova to take a 21-14 lead.
Wales replied in the 65th minute with an unconverted try to Ellis Bevan to trail 2-19 before Muntz put the final nail in the coffin with a penalty kick at goal in the 74th minute. Give Fiji it’s first historic win 24 to 19 points.
Muntz was the toast of the Flying Fijians side as he scored a total of 19 points through a try, a conversion and 4 penalty kicks at goal.
The win is Fiji’s second victory over Wales in 15 matches and the first since 2007.
Fiji will now turn their focus to their 3rd Autumn Series match against Spain at 2am Sunday at Valladolid, Spain.
(Source: Fijivillage)