Wales Desperate To End 9 Test Losing Streak Against A Reinforced Fiji In Cardiff

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Wales desperate to end 9-test losing streak against a reinforced Fiji in Cardiff
Wales desperate to end 9-test losing streak against a reinforced Fiji in Cardiff from

Wales desperate to end 9-test losing streak against a reinforced Fiji in Cardiff

Warren Gatland's first match in charge since 2019 should provide a fascinating insight into Wales' Rugby World Cup prospects

After a dismal 2022, which was their worst year since 2007, Wales will be looking to turn a corner under new coach Warren Gatland.

Warren Gatland returns to Principality Stadium on Saturday, 5th November 2022 with an unchanged Wales team to face a beefed-up Fiji side.

Gatland, who enjoyed a hugely successful first spell in charge of Wales between 2008 and 2019, will be keen to see his side end a run of nine successive defeats, their joint-worst run since 2003.

The match will be the first of four November internationals for Wales, with Australia, Georgia and New Zealand also visiting Cardiff.

It is also Wales' first match since Gatland replaced Wayne Pivac as head coach last month. Gatland has made just one change to the side that lost 35-13 to Australia in Pivac's final game in charge.

The change is enforced, with flanker Justin Tipuric ruled out with a shoulder injury. He is replaced by Tommy Reffell, with Jac Morgan moving to the bench.

Leicester centre Dan Kelly and Scarlets prop Sam Wainwright are also among the replacements as they seek their first Wales caps.

Fiji, meanwhile, have recalled seven players who featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, including Leone Nakarawa and Semi Radradra.

Fiji warmed up for the Wales clash with a 35-17 victory over Georgia last weekend and will be looking to cause an upset in Cardiff.

The match is expected to be a sell-out, with the atmosphere sure to be electric.

Here is everything you need to know about the match:

The match will be a fascinating insight into Wales' Rugby World Cup prospects, with Gatland hoping to see a performance that will give him confidence ahead of next year's tournament in France.