Rugby autumn internationals: Wales edge past Fiji in scrappy affair

Wales began their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a hard-fought 38-23 victory over Fiji at the Principality Stadium.

The hosts had to come from behind after Fiji took a shock lead through a try from full-back Setareki Tuicuvu and the conversion from fly-half Teti Tela.

Wales responded with a try from wing Alex Cuthbert, converted by fly-half Gareth Anscombe, and another from flanker Taulupe Faletau, converted by Anscombe again.

Ryan Elias extended Wales' lead with a try from a driving maul, converted by Anscombe, and the hosts went into the break 24-10 up.

Fiji pulled a try back through centre Waisea Nayacalevu, converted by Tela, but a penalty try for Wales, awarded for a dangerous tackle on Cuthbert, extended their lead.

Fiji scored a second try through wing Josua Tuisova, converted by Tela, but Wales had the final say with a try from replacement scrum-half Kieran Hardy, converted by Anscombe.

The win gives Wales a winning start to their Autumn Nations Series campaign, while Fiji will be disappointed to have failed to build on their early lead.

Wales will next face Australia at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, November 5, while Fiji will face Georgia at the same venue on Thursday, November 10.