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Wales v Fiji player ratings as one man stands out amid disappointments

Wales' players look dejected
-Credit: (Image: 2024 Getty Images)


Wales slipped to a record-equalling tenth straight Test match defeat as they lost 24-19 to Fiji at the Principality Stadium.

This was Fiji's first ever victory in Cardiff as they poured more pressure on under-fire Wales head coach Warren Gatland. Wales scored two tries courtesy of Blair Murray and Ellis Bevan, while Caleb Muntz and Josua Tuisova scored for the visitors.

It is now 401 days since Wales last won a Test match. Rugby correspondent Steffan Thomas hands out the player ratings. You can read the match report here.

READ MORE:Warren Gatland left baffled as wrong player sent on against Fiji in error

READ MORE:Dan Biggar: It cannot carry on like this, serious questions must be asked of Gatland

Cameron Winnett 8

The 21-year-old coped well with the physical challenge posed by the Fijians while his footballing skills shone through. Winnett was also very reliable under the high ball and kicked well out of hand while he also put Ellis Bevan over at the corner.

Wales' best player by a long way.

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Mason Grady 5

The 22-year-old only lasted 18 minutes due to injury but he made a big impact during his time on the field, giving Wales a physical edge behind the scrum. Wales missed his presence.

Max Llewellyn 6

The 25-year-old brought his club form into the international arena with a solid all-round display. Llewellyn was Wales' best source of go forward ball behind the scrum.

Ben Thomas 6

The Cardiff playmaker brought an extra dimension to Wales' attack. Thomas was the architect of Blair Murray's opening try with a lovely pass from the point of contact. Also stood up well to the physical challenge posed by the Fijians but made mistakes with a kick out on the full from a restart

Blair Murray 6

Marked his international debut with a well-taken try at the corner after just eight minutes. Worked very hard and looked dangerous whenever he got the ball which wasn't often enough.

Gareth Anscombe 5

Generally solid but came second best to his opposite number Caleb Muntz. Brought some good attacking shape but didn't impact enough.

Tomos Williams 5

The Gloucester scrum-half was a constant threat at the base of the ruck, while his service to Gareth Anscombe was decent. But took a kickable penalty quickly on 56 minutes which would have put Wales into the lead.

That was a big moment which cost Wales.

Gareth Thomas 6

Scrummaged well and put himself about in defence. The Ospreys man stood up well to the powerful Samuela Tawake in the scrums.

Dewi Lake 7

The Wales captain led from the front with a very strong showing. Offered himself as a carrier helping Wales to get over the gainline while the lineout went well.

Archie Griffin 6

Worked hard around the park and put in another big shift in defence. Was generally solid at the scrum apart from just before half-time when he coughed up a penalty.

Perhaps not as prominent as he was in Australia which is understandable given the Bath prop has only played once this season having been diagnosed with a heart condition.

Will Rowlands 6

One of Wales' better players. The Racing 92 lock is a powerful carrier, while he got through a lot of work in defence.

Adam Beard 6

Gatland thinks the world of the giant Ospreys lock and while he may not be everyone's cup of tea it's not hard to see why he is regarded so highly. Wales' lineout faltered at times in Australia this summer but it was a lot better against Fiji, while the driving lineout was yet again a weapon.

But needs to offer himself more as a carrier.

Taine Plumtree 5

Hit and miss. The Scarlets backrower made some dents with his carrying but gave away a couple of soft penalties which swung the momentum back in Fiji's favour.

Tommy Reffell 5

Cost Wales a try with shoulder to the head of Semi Radradra. Gets through a huge amount of work and is one of the best at the breakdown but could lose his place to Jac Morgan.

Aaron Wainwright 5

The Dragons No 8 was quiet by his standards. He worked hard and put in a big shift defensively but didn't give Wales enough go forward through his carrying.

Replacements

Ryan Elias 5

Tried his best to add some physicality to the Wales pack but like so many of his teammates failed to make enough of an impact.

Nicky Smith 5

Not enough scrums for the Leicester Tigers prop to make a difference.

Keiron Assiratti 5

Gatland would have expected a bigger impact from his bench, with Assiratti struggled to make much of a dent.

Christ Tshiunza 5

Not a big enough impact and was second best to the Fijians physically

James Botham 5

Put in a big defensive shift

Jac Morgan 7

Made a big impact with his explosive carrying and impact at the breakdown. Must start against Australia

Ellis Bevan 6

Did well considering he was played out of position on the wing. Touched down for his first international try.

Sam Costelow 5

Played a large chunk of the game on the wing. Showed some nice touches at fly-half but missed a conversion which would have put Wales level.