Wales need to be aggressors against Fiji - Forshaw

Mike Forshaw became Wales defence coach before the 2023 Six Nations

Head coach Warren Gatland and senior players have outlined to the Wales squad the importance of an autumn opening victory against Fiji.

Wales have been defeated in the last nine internationals with the Test match losing streak stretching back more than a year.

This has resulted in Gatland's side slipping to a lowest position of 11th in the world rankings.

Wales face Fiji in the autumn opener on Sunday, 10 November before playing Australia seven days later with world champions South Africa arriving in Cardiff on 23 November.

The Wales squad joined up together yesterday with defence coach Mike Forshaw saying returning to winning ways is the immediate priority.

"That was something which Warren addressed the team with yesterday and some of the senior players talked about that," said Forshaw.

"People saying that Wales had to take some pain with bringing in young players, well that's over now.

"There's no excuses and we have to start winning rugby matches.

"That's not just me as a coach saying that, the players are adamant that's got to be the case as well.

"There's a bit of pressure on us to win and the players have got to feel that also.

"We are in the business of winning matches and we have to do that on a Sunday afternoon in Cardiff against Fiji."

Fiji have risen above Wales in the world rankings and face Scotland this weekend, while Wales have no game.

"We've got to execute at Cardiff next week," said Forshaw.

"I always say when you're playing at home, we've got to be the aggressors. That's non-negotiable.

"We know what is coming from Fiji, it's stopping it. They play Scotland this week, and then they bring a hell a lot of players in from clubs in France next week, who are very dangerous athletes.

"It's going to be a massive day for us from a defensive point of view, and then it is about when we execute when we get the opportunity with the ball."