Wales 17-13 Fiji as it happened

1. Full-time: Wales 17-13 Fiji
2. North & Cuthbert score Wales' opening tries, with a further penalty try
3. Nadolo with a converted try & two penalties for Fiji
4. Fiji's Campese Ma'afu sent off on 52 mins
5. Priestland misses two touchline conversions, but converts penalty try
6. Wales full-back Liam Williams named man of the match
7. Catch up with the whole match using the Live Coverage tab

Goodbye for now

Time for us in the Scrum V hotseats to say goodbye. So, Wales avoid another upset against Fiji, but only just.

Warren Gatland clearly wasn't happy with a "frustrating" match, and the Millennium Stadium crowd seemed disgruntled too.

You can read the match report here, and don't forget to tune into Scrum V live on BBC Two Wales tomorrow from 19:00 GMT for Ross Harries and the Scrum V pundits' dissection of the weekend's action.

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And join us for Wales v New Zealand next Saturday, 22 November from 16:30 GMT with kick-off at 17:30 GMT.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

Selection for New Zealand next weekend has been made easy because nobody has really put their hand up today for Wales.

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I didn't think they would be so disjointed with the changes because as a squad they're together a lot. But the amount of ball they lost shows it was the changes that disrupted them.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

If Fiji are cute at slowing the ball down, we're playing the masters at it next weekend in New Zealand.

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We have to get that support man there quicker because these southern hemisphere sides really contest the breakdown fiercely.

Attendance

Whatever they thought, more than 61,000 people were at the Millennium Stadium this afternoon to see Wales beat Fiji 17-13.

Get involved

Michael Rees tweets: New Zealand are going to destroy us next weekend!!!

Mark Krawiecki adds: Poor by Wales. Lucky to hang on. Much to do against the All Blacks.

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

It's just unforced errors. You can't coach that. These are professional rugby players.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland bemoans a "frustrating" afternoon: "They tried to slow the game down and we probably butchered a number of opportunities."

Huw Evans picture agency

On Taulupe Faletau's disallowed try: "It's frustrating. All we ask for is consistency and we do not seem to be getting consistency."

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

Liam Williams was a shining light. He's a very brave player but a very natural footballer as well.

He was very unlucky with the disallowed try.

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He was probably the only player who has done his reputation any good today.

Full time

Well, that was a bit too close for comfort, wasn't it?

There had been a couple of warnings from history - Fiji's 38-34 win which knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup and the 16-16 draw in Cardiff in 2010 - but Wales were close to suffering another embarrassing result here.

Fiji played most of the second half with 14 men after Campese Ma'afu's red card, but Nemani Nadolo's late interception try gave them hope of causing another upset.

Wales did not manage a single score in the second period, having crossed for three tries in the first half.

One wonders what it will be like in the Wales changing room. Relief to have won? Disappointment with a disjointed performance?

What did you make of it? Let us know on Twitter by using the hashtag #ScrumV or by emailing [e-mail]

Wales captain Gethin Jenkins says: "We'll take a win, but we're disappointed with the performance... we lacked basic skills

"We lost the ball way too often but credit to Fiji, they came here and gave us a hell of a game.

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"We weren't at the races but we'll take the result."

Get involved

Steven Stokes tweets: Ah well, we've had worse results against Fiji in recent years. Hope we've got an easy game next...

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

The second half was absolutely shocking. Wales should have built on a reasonable first half.

But in the second half they couldn't get the line-out right and overturned too much ball.

In the end Wales were the ones slowing the ball to get the clock down.

Get involved

Matt Flye tweets: This doesn't bode well for the Rugby World Cup #groupofdeath

Full time

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

That was coming wasn't it? Fiji have applied pressure in close quarter play.

But I didn't envisage it coming from deep inside their half!

Converted try for Fiji (Nadolo, con Nadolo)

Would you believe it? Fiji are still in this.

The man-mountain of a centre Nemani Nadolo picks off Priestland's pass and runs the length of the field to give Fiji a chance to claim another famous result against Wales.

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Nadolo converts and this is now dangerously close for Wales.

Get involved

Kevin Hoey writes: On holiday in Goa but ended up listening via Radio Wales. Loving the sun with it being 27 degrees at 21:30 and listening to the match.

Very nice too!

Near miss

Wales are living dangerously here, with Fiji letting the ball squirm loose on the Welsh try line.

This will be an important scrum for Wales.

Man of the Match

Huw Evans picture agency

Wales full-back Liam Williams takes the accolade, to rapturous applause from the Millennium Stadium crowd.

Fair to say that decision was less than popular at the Millennium Stadium.

Liam Williams was adjudged to have been held by Tevita Cavubati, but the Wales full-back certainly seems to feel he has been harshly penalised.

Nick Webb

BBC Radio Wales commentator

This is incompetent officiating. That is a try in any language.

It is stretching the definition of the rule to say that Liam Williams was held by the tackler for a fraction of a second.

Disallowed try for Wales (Faletau)

Liam Williams makes a weaving run into Fijian territory but is tackled by Tevita Cavubati.

Huw Evans picture agency

Williams gets up and passes to Taulupe Faletau, who gallops clear to touch down, but Williams is adjudged to have made a double-movement.

Try review for Wales (Faletau)

Wales are almost sleepwalking into the last 10 minutes of the match here.

Despite the red card to Fiji's Campese Ma'afu, there has been no score in the second half.

Alex Cuthbert and Liam Williams have just led a Welsh attack into the Fijian 22 which came to nothing.

Can Wales break through for their fourth try before the final whistle?

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

Is this the time for James Hook?

Wales need to fix the Fijian defence to make space. They're just drifting at the moment.

First cap for Ospreys' Nicky Smith, who replaces captain Gethin Jenkins. And Alun Wyn Jones comes on for Luke Charteris.

Alex Cuthbert is pushed into touch just yards short of the Fiji line.

I don't think the Millennium Stadium crowd has ever been so relieved to see a scrum.

The last 10 minutes have been as disjointed and scrappy as you are ever likely to see from two international teams.

Fiji won't mind - they revel in such loose matches, particularly when they only have 14 men.

Huw Evans picture agency

But Wales need to get a grip if they are to make sure of victory.

Get involved

Rebecca Hayes tweets: Since when has dropping the ball all the time become a rule?

Replacement for Wales

James King comes on for Dan Lydiate at blindside flanker, while tight-head prop Samson Lee makes way for the more mobile and dynamic Rhodri Jones.

Nick Webb

BBC Radio Wales commentator

There is collective madness out there now.

Wales are playing like the South Sea Barbarians.

But Fiji are better at that sort of game, even when they don't have the ball.

Get involved

Jesse Tyler writes: From the Welsh Tylers watching England v South Africa. We are cheering on South Africa. Will we ever hear the last of it if England win? To the English lady cheering on Fiji.

Fiji may have been reduced to 14 men, but they are as threatening as ever.

Josh Matavesi leads a counter-attack into the Welsh half, and Wales have the covering Liam Williams to thank for bundling winger Waisea Nayacalevu into touch to deny Fiji a try.

Nicky Little

Fiji fly-half on BBC One

From experience, this is only going to go one of two ways for Fiji.

They're either going to give up or they're going to go nuts.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

Wales have got to take advantage now Fiji are down to 14 men. They've got to inject some tempo.

Red card for Fiji (Ma'afu)

Campese Ma'afu, sin-binned in the first half, is given a second yellow card for taking out Bradley Davies in the air from a Welsh line-out.

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Wales will play the last 27 minutes against 14 men.

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

Surely that's got to be a penalty try and the Fijian has got to go to the bin.

No try for Wales

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Dan Lydiate is denied a first try for Wales, who have been given a penalty instead.

Try review for Wales (Lydiate)

We're going upstairs to check if Wales have scored.

At first glance, it looks like Lydiate grounded the ball after a rolling maul. We'll see...

Get involved

Caroline Russell writes: We are supporting Fiji today...Let's recognise that Fiji are positive players too. From an English woman fed up with hearing how perfect Wales are.

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

It's poor at the moment. The Wales management and coaching staff won't be happy.

It's very, very easy for Fiji. Wales are so deep and there are no dummy runners. It's so slow.

Having controlled the early exchanges of this second half, Wales have made a few mistakes which have rather punctured the quick pace of the game.

The hosts are still in charge with a lead of 17-6 but one suspects head coach Warren Gatland - a hard taskmaster - will be expecting more from his side.

Did you know?

Jamie Roberts, George North, Scott Williams, Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips, Bradley Davies, Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones (on the bench at the moment) are survivors from the side that beat Fiji 66-0 at the 2011 World Cup.

Don't think we'll see a scoreline quite like that today - but who knows?

Get involved

Matthew Evans writes: Watching from Mexico City. Wales need to hold onto the ball in the tackle. Fiji are very dangerous on the counter.

As was the case in the first half, Wales make a bright start to the second period and camp themselves on the Fijian try line within 90 seconds of the restart.

Phase after phase of attack comes to nothing, though, as Dan Lydiate is penalised for a double movement just a couple of yards short of the Fiji line.

Get involved

Garin Allan tweets: If there was an award for the number of knock-ons in a game, we'd probably drop it.

Second half

The players are back out and the second half is about to start.

Can Wales pull clear? Or will Fiji claw themselves back into this match?

A reminder you can get involved on Twitter by using the hashtag #ScrumV or by emailing [e-mail]

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

There have been mistakes aplenty in Cardiff, but Wales have managed not make theirs with the line begging. That's why Warren Gatland's side are leading 17-6 as the second half starts.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

It was a perfect start for Wales and a great piece of play from Priestland.

But Wales have been very lucky on a few occasions.

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Fiji have had chances but just haven't got over the line.

Jeremy Guscott

Former England centre on BBC One

I've thoroughly enjoyed the game. Wales play simple, organised rugby.

But Fiji have picked up the ball, snapped and gone. They've got Wales and Fiji fans on their feet.

Have a half-time breather and join the conversation!

Keep the emails coming to [e-mail]

Get involved

Ben Owen John tweets: Wales seriously need more players with Liam Williams's attitude in the squad. #AllHeart

Ben Williams adds: Liam Williams gives 104 per cent.

Half-time

It has been loose, ragged at times, but Wales will be happy to be leading at the break.

They have scored three tries courtesy of George North, Alex Cuthbert and a penalty try, but Fiji have demonstrated what a dangerous team they can be.

Vereniki Goneva and Nikola Matawalu have shown flashes of their considerable threat, while the huge centre Nemani Nadolo has kicked two penalties and missed another two.

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This has not been as wild as the first-half shoot-out with Australia last weekend, but both teams have been trying to play enterprising, attacking rugby and you would expect more tries to follow after the restart.

Get involved

Michael Craddock tweets: Right decision from the ref there. Wales in complete control of those mauls.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

That was just what the doctor ordered. Fiji are down to seven and that's a really crucial score for Wales.

Converted penalty try for Wales

Wales' decision to kick to the corner pays off as referee Pascal Gauzere awards a penalty try after Fiji bring down a rolling Welsh maul.

Priestland converts and Wales have a little breathing space with a 17-6 lead.

Sin-bin for Fiji (Ma'afu)

Undeterred by Fiji's recent period of pressure, Wales are backing themselves here sending kickable penalties to the corner.

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Fiji repel the Welsh attacks - but illegally - as Campese Ma'afu is sent to the sin bin for bringing down the Welsh rolling maul.

Get involved

Jesse Tyler writes: Come on Wales! From the Tylers watching in South Africa.

Missed penalty for Fiji (Nadolo)

Fijian pressure is mounting. Leicester's Vereniki Goneva makes a scintillating break from his own half and, in a flash, Fiji find themselves camped by the Welsh line again.

The visitors waste a good chance to go over in the corner as flanker Masi Matadigo runs instead of passing to those outside him, and Nadolo misses the resultant penalty for Fiji.

Get involved

Kieran Neilson writes: Wales would do better with James Hook at fly-half.

Huw Evans picture agency

Rhys Priestland has missed two conversions so far, but has played his part in both Welsh tries. I have a feeling this debate is going to run and run...

Penalty for Fiji (Nadolo)

A first glimpse of Fiji's free-flowing, running rugby as the visitors carry the ball from their own 22 to within 10 yards of the Welsh try line.

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Nadolo kicks another simple penalty with 28 minutes on the clock and Wales are now only four points in front.

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Steven Stokes tweets: Do the basics well and this should be a straight forward win for Wales. Proof in the first two tries.

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Becca Jones tweets: Does anyone else think George North looks like Freddie Mercury when he does Movember? #iwanttobreakfree

Penalty for Fiji (Nadolo)

Giant centre Nemani Nadolo drops the ball just five yards short of the Wales try line, but Fiji had a penalty advantage and it's Nadolo who slots the penalty from in front of the posts to cut Fiji's deficit to seven points.

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

Again Priestland went on the blindside. It was a good ball by Priestland and Cuthbert has just gone outside his winger.

Fiji had the numbers but Cuthbert has skipped around him.

Try

Patience pays off for Wales, whose forwards pummel their way towards the Fijian line before Priestland launches a long pass to Alex Cuthbert, who runs over in the corner for a fourth try in his last four Tests.

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Priestland misses a difficult conversion from the right touchline, but his pass may have helped silence the boo-boys in the stands.

Try for Wales (Cuthbert)

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

That was a very, very good chance for Fiji.

It was a great tackle by George North, I thought it was going to be a definite try for Fiji.

You cannot be loose against this side. Wales are very lucky to get away with that.

No try

After Rhys Priestland drops the ball near the halfway line, Fiji kick the ball towards the Wales line, where winger Waisea Nayacalevu looks poised to score but drops the ball just a couple of yards short of the try line.

A narrow escape for Wales.

What do you think so far?

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Get involved

Martyn Price tweets: Great try for George North. Bad luck Rhys Priestland but a great attempt at conversion. Thankfully no audible boos from fans.

Wales 5-0 Fiji

Most games involving Fiji tend to be played at a high tempo and with a fair amount of flair, and the first 10 minutes of this match suggests we are in for another entertaining encounter at the Millennium Stadium.

Garin Jenkins

Former Wales hooker on BBC Radio Wales

Wales tried to go through the front-row first, but there was great composure.

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They released the ball, went wide and Scott Williams did well. The timing of the pass was spot on.

Get involved

Ollie lyneo tweets: George North is a tank!!

Try for Wales (North)

Huw Evans picture agency

For the second successive week, Wales make a flying start with an early try.

This was a product of simple, clinical rugby with Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland moving the ball wide to outside centre Scott Williams, who straightens his run and give George North the easy task of touching down in the left corner.

Priestland pushes his conversion across the face of the posts but Wales will be very content with their start.

Ouch!

Wales 0-0 Fiji

It's a positive start from Wales, keeping the ball in hand and looking to play with width and pace.

But their first attack of the match is brought to a shuddering halt as Jamie Roberts knocks on after a thumping hit from Fiji captain Akapusi Qera.

Justin Tipuric for Wales at the tail of the first line-out. Like Fiji, Wales won all of their scrums (9) and lineouts (10) last week.

Kick-off

Here we go.

Fiji have performed their war dance, Wales have dutifully stared at their opponents and we are ready to start.

Huw Evans picture agency

Ospreys man Josh Matavesi gets us under way with kick-off, and we are off and running.

Right then. We've had the anthems and we are ready to go.

And what an emotional anthem it was from Fiji. Ospreys centre Josh Matavesi, playing at fly-half today, was in tears as he sang.

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was sung with gusto too. The Welsh crowd seem in good voice today.

Josie Pearson, Paralympic gold medallist

Paralympic gold medallist Josie Pearson tweets: It's rugby time again #ComeOnWales You should win this comfortably.

Huw Evans picture agency

Here come the players...

Fiji led out by Montpellier number eight Akapusi Qera and, amid the flames and roars from the Millennium Stadium crowd, Gethin Jenkins leads the Wales team out on to the pitch.

Kick-off is just five minutes away, and the atmosphere is building nicely.

Get involved

Daniel Johnson tweets: Considering how much stick Alex Cuthbert gets, his try-to-game ratio is serious.

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Key battle

Taulupe Faletau v Akapusi Qera at number eight.

Fiji captain Qera is a survivor of Fiji's 2007 World Cup win over Wales and the 16-16 draw in Cardiff three years later.

The powerful former Gloucester number eight now plays for Montpellier but has managed only 179 minutes across five games for the French side in the Top 14 this season.

If he is a little rusty, it could be a long afternoon against Newport Gwent Dragon Faletau, who is a tireless grafter at the back of the Welsh scrum.

Lately, however, Faletau has been a little quiet by his own high standards and is due a big performance.

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Akapusi Qera has won 40 caps for Fiji and scored seven tries

Jonathan Davies

Former Wales fly-half on BBC One

Wales need to keep playing the way they did against Australia last weekend because they almost got a result.

But their execution today is crucial. It has to be right, no loose passes.

A good performance this week and the players will be putting their hands up for the next fortnight and matches against the two best teams in the world, New Zealand and South Africa.

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

Gethin Jenkins will stretch his Wales cap record to 109 when he leads Wales out against Fiji. If he has a moment to glance at the bench, he will see uncapped Osprey Nicky Smith, 20, ready to take over at loose-head at any point.

That 14-year age gap may provide a reason for Cardiff Blues' British and Irish Lion Jenkins to have a moment of quiet reflection on an outstanding career when he celebrates his 34th birthday on Monday.

Jenkins made his Wales debut 12 years ago, against Romania.

Martyn Williams

Former Wales captain on BBC One

Wales are as fit as any team in the world.

But they need to be more clinical, that's the difference between Wales and the top teams.

Key battles

Mike Phillips v Nikola Matawalu in the scrum-half berths.

This could be one of the most fascinating duels on the pitch today.

Followers of the Pro12 will be familiar with Fiji's Nikola Matawalu, who has been exceptional for Glasgow over the last two seasons.

Matawalu, an electric, elusive runner who can also play on the wing, could be a thorn in the Welsh side - and it will be Phillips' job to combat the Fijian's considerable threat.

Racing Metro's Phillips has used his physicality to unsettle some of the world's leading scrum-halves such as Will Genia and Fourie du Preez, and he is bound to have a busy afternoon marking Matawalu.

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Nikola Matawalu has been in the Pro12 dream team for the past two seasons

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has said places are up for grabs for next week's match against New Zealand, so there will be an added incentive for his players to impress against Fiji.

The likes of half-backs Mike Phillips and Rhys Priestland will be eager to reclaim their first-team places from Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar, while Wales' captain today Gethin Jenkins will want his loose-head prop jersey back as well.

As for the back row, competition for places is tough. Justin Tipuric starts at openside flanker today and the Ospreys man will be aiming to put pressure on skipper Sam Warburton or today's starter at six, Dan Lydiate, for a starting berth against the All Blacks.

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Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric wins his 26th cap for Wales against Fiji

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Robert Jones

Former Wales scrum-half on BBC Radio Wales

After last week's defeat, it's important to get a win today.

But I'm looking around and there are some big, big men in the Fiji team.

It's all part of the bigger picture, which is the Rugby World Cup next year.

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

As he headed to his seat in the commentary gantry, Scrum V and BBC dual-code pundit Jonathan Davies offered this prediction: "Wales by 20." We'll see...

Adrian Hadley

Former Wales wing on BBC Radio Wales

The booing of Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland against Australia was shocking.

He's a confidence player. But I'm sure it won't affect him today, I think he'll have a good game.

Gareth Roberts

BBC Sport Wales at the Millennium Stadium

It's a family-friendly day at Millennium Stadium with ticket prices aimed at that section of the Welsh fan base. It can mean only one thing - the vuvuzela chorus is getting louder and louder as kick-off approaches.

Team news - Wales

Wales have made eight changes from the team which lost 33-28 to Australia last weekend - but it is a strong line-up.

George North is back on the wing having faced the Wallabies at centre, and the Northampton giant only needs two tries to draw level with Tom Shanklin and the legendary Gerald Davies and Gareth Edwards as Wales' joint-fifth top try-scorer of all time on 20 tries.

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Northampton wing George North has scored 18 tries in 43 appearances for Wales

There is also a first Wales start for Ospreys hooker Scott Baldwin, who says he was "skateboarding instead of playing rugby" until his mid-teens.

Baldwin will have another youngster, Samson Lee, alongside him at tight-head prop, but the two tyros will have Wales' most capped player and captain for the day, Gethin Jenkins, at loose-head.

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Team news - Fiji's threats

So what can we expect from Fiji?

It's not often that Jamie Roberts is smaller than his opposite number, but the Wales and Racing Metro centre is up against a formidable specimen in the form of Nemani Nadolo.

At 20 stone, Nadolo is three stone heavier than Welsh juggernaut Roberts, and the Fijian is a prolific try-scorer.

The Crusaders man was the joint top-scorer in this year's Super 15, and he has an impressive 13 tries from 16 appearances for Fiji.

"I don't think I've ever played against a 12 who is bigger than me before," said Roberts. Rather you than us, Jamie.

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Fiji and Crusaders centre Nemani Nadolo had a spell with Exeter earlier in his career

Starting soon

It's just an hour until Wales v Fiji kicks off.

Wales will be expected to win comfortably, but recent history tells us to take nothing for granted in this fixture.

In the last three meetings between the teams, there has been one win each and a draw.

Fiji's 38-34 victory knocked Wales out of the 2007 World Cup and led to the departure of then-Wales coach Gareth Jenkins, while their 16-16 draw in Cardiff three years later was another game to forget for Wales.

Warren Gatland's men avenged those results with an emphatic 66-0 win at the 2011 World Cup, giving Wales a seventh win from their nine matches against Fiji.

The two sides meet for a 10th time today. How do you think it will go?

You can get involved on Twitter by using the hashtag #ScrumV or you can email [e-mail]

Team news - Fiji change

There's been a late change to the Fiji team, with second row Api Ratuniyarawa pulling out to be replaced by Tevita Cavubati.

Cavubati's place on the Fijian bench is taken by Tomasi Soqeta.

Prynhawn da

Good afternoon and welcome to Scrum V's live coverage of Wales v Fiji!

We'll keep you up-to-date throughout the match and wherever you're watching or listening, we want to hear from you too.