Warren Gatland has swapped a few players for this Tier 2 tilt, but there’s no sign of complacency with a very experienced lineup set to take on Fiji. The narrow loss to Australia would have been a shot to the gut, and Gatland has opted not to field a second rank side against a potentially dangerous opponent. John McKee meanwhile has welcomed a couple big names back into the side as they look to rebound from a disappointing defensive effort against France.
Leicester star Vereniki Goneva has resolved his apparent visa issues and will return to the Fijian lineup for the first time in two years. Joining him in the midfield is Nemani Nadolo, a late inclusion on the bench last week who made a sizeable impact in the second half. Running the show from flyhalf with be fit-again Josh Matavesi, another long-term absentee from the white jersey of his country. The Ospreys standout has been playing mostly in the no12 jersey in recent seasons, but has previous experience at no10 and with Nadolo taking the kicking duties, Matavesi can concentrate on mixing up his attacking game.
Asaeli Tikoirotuma slides out to his preferred left wing position this week, with powerful Stade Français winger Waisea Nayacalevu called up to the right. The forwards show no changes after faring pretty well at the set piece against France, though there are two new faces on the bench as big Tasman lock Tevita Cavubati replaces Nemia Soqeta, and first choice Southland rake Tale Tuapati takes the place of Vili Veikoso.
Five changes appear up front for Wales, but few sides could complain about their quality. Bradley Davies and Luke Charteris form a very formidable second row unit, and centurion Gethin Jenkins starts at loosehead while also taking over the captaincy. Sam Warburton gets a rest with Justin Tipuric getting a run-out in a game that should suit his abilities. Ospreys teammate Scott Baldwin tags in for Richard Hibbard, who also earns a week off.
Mike Phillips gets a chance to restore his first choice status at scrumhalf, Rhys Priestland fills in for crocked Dan Biggar, and in the midfield Scott Williams is a welcome addition in place of injured Leigh Halfpenny. George North and Liam Williams stay where they finished against Australia, their preferred wing and fullback spots respectively. Blue chip loosehead prospect Nicky Smith is set to cap a mercurial rise with his first cap off the bench, where he is joined by back row James King, scrumhalf Rhodri Williams, and recalled Gloucester flyhalf James Hook.
Fiji famously defeated Wales in Nantes at the 2007 World Cup, but with little preparation time it would be some feat to repeat those theatrics now. Gatland has not risked the same patchwork side that drew with the island nation in 2010, and with competition for spots thick and heavy, you can expect the men in red to turn up with their game faces on. Fiji’s defense was verging on pathetic at times against France, and though the new boys will help, it will be a big ask to patch up the cracks entirely in a week. Still this should be a fun match to watch, with two mammoth backlines going head to head and x-factors all over the park for Fiji. In the end Wales win this comfortably, but not without a few scares along the way. Take the home team by 15.
WALES vs FIJI
Saturday, November 15, 14:30 GMT, Cardiff
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (FFR)
Assistants: Jaco Peyper (SARU) & Dudley Phillips (IRFU)
TMO: Carlo Damasco (FIR)
