Anscombe issues Fiji warning as Wales bid to end losing streak

English Woman's Journal - Anscombe issues Fiji warning as Wales bid to end losing streak

SPORTS 06.11.2024

Anscombe issues Fiji warning as Wales bid to end losing streak / Photo: SEBASTIEN BOZON - AFP

Gareth Anscombe expects Wales to have their work cut out when they look to end a lengthy losing run in their November opener against Fiji this weekend.

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Wales have lost nine straight Tests since beating Georgia during last year's World Cup and it will be a record-equalling tenth defeat in a row if Fiji win in Cardiff on Sunday.

The 2023 World Cup in France did see Wales overcome Fiji 32-26 in a Bordeaux epic, but victory was only achieved after Warren Gatland's men made a mammoth 253 tackles.

Fiji, however, fought back from 18 points down and could have won only for unmarked centre Semi Radradra to drop the ball with the Wales try-line at his mercy in the final play of the game as the Pacific islanders just missed out on a triumph to set alongside their 2007 World Cup defeat of the Welsh.

"They have got so many world-class athletes," Anscombe, in contention to start at fly-half for Wales this weekend, said Wednesday.

"They are not a side that requires too much shape or structure because they have got so much firepower.

"They can beat you one on one and once they are in behind you they are very hard to stop. They are a huge test and probably don't get the credit they deserve.

"It is going to take a massive performance from us to come out on the right side of it. They are a dangerous side and it is going to take a real disciplined performance from us."

Wales coach Gatland is set to name his team on Friday, with Anscombe one of several experienced players set to feature after missing the tour of Australia in July.

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English Woman's Journal - Anscombe issues Fiji warning as Wales bid to end losing streak