Vodafone Flying Fijians player, Nemani Nadolo gave the man of the match performance against Wales but it was not enough as Fiji lost to the Welsh 17-13 in a hard fought Test match this morning in Cardiff.
Nadolo looked dangerous at many occasions with clever offloads and some devastating line breaks.
Fiji battled bravely but their cause was not helped by the poor discipline of prop Campese Ma'afu, who was sent off for two yellow card offences.
Ma'afu was first sent to the sin bin in the 37th minute when he entered a maul from the side, after Wales went on a drive close to their try-line and the referee gave him a red card when he drove into the Welsh lifters at a line‑out in the 52nd minute before the jumper hit the ground.
In an open first half, Wales scored unconverted tries through giant wingers George North and Alex Cuthbert and a converted penalty try following a collapsed maul to take a 17-6 lead into the break.
Nemani Nadolo kicked two penalties for Fiji in the first half.
Fiji’s best opportunity to score a try in the first half came in the 30th minute when captain Akapusi Qera had a two‑man overlap but opted to break infield instead of passing to Masi Matadigo or Asaeli Tikoirotuma.
Wales struggled in the second half although Fiji played with 14 men.
With the game drawing to a close, Wales were desperate to finish on a high with their fourth try.
This wasn't to be and Fiji had the final say when Nadolo intercepted a Rhys Priestland pass just outside Fiji’s 22 before racing away to score his side's only try two minutes before full‑time.
That set up a potentially exciting finish but Metuisela Talebula kicked the ball away and Priestland was able to clear as Wales ended up hanging on.
Fiji’s next Europe tour match will be against the USA next weekend.
Source: Planet
