Jac Morgan's double leads Wales to bonus-point win over Fiji in Nations Cup opener

Wales secured a bonus-point victory over Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, running in six tries in a 41-27 win that doubled as their opening fixture in the new Nations Cup competition. Flanker Jac Morgan marked his return to the Wales squad with a brace, while Rhys Carre, Josh Adams, Ryan Elias and Eddie James also touched down. Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow contributed nine points with the boot.

The result did not come without resistance. Fiji — ranked ninth in the world and two places above Wales — came out with intent and crossed three times through Pita-Gus Sowakula, Elia Canakaivata and Selestino Ravutaumada, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula adding nine points from the kicking tee to keep the visitors in contention for long stretches.

The build-up to the match had been clouded by a players’ pay dispute between the Wales squad and the Welsh Rugby Union, a standoff that was only resolved on the Wednesday before kick-off. That the team produced a composed, attacking performance in the circumstances will offer some encouragement to supporters.

Fiji were officially listed as the home side for the fixture, as World Rugby had sanctioned the Pacific nation switching their home games in the new competition to the northern hemisphere. Despite that arrangement, the atmosphere at Cardiff City Stadium was firmly behind Wales.

Historically, Wales have dominated this fixture, winning 12 of the 15 meetings between the two nations, with one draw. However, Fiji had claimed a landmark result in November 2024 — their first-ever victory in Cardiff, at Principality Stadium — meaning Wales arrived with a point to prove on home soil. A six-try performance, even against a Fijian side capable of moments of real brilliance, suggests they made it.