Rugby

Wales vs Fiji prediction and odds: Rugby World Cup 2023

September 10, 2023 5:26 am

Brace yourselves rugby fans, because the Rugby World Cup is serving up another cracker of a match up on its opening weekend. Hot off the back of defeating England a fortnight ago, Fiji are hunting for more Northern Hemisphere blood, with Wales on the menu this Sunday. Read on for our Wales vs Fiji predictions.

Wales vs Fiji prediction and odds
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Wales vs Fiji – match predictions

Two years ago when the Rugby World Cup draw was made, Fiji beating Wales would have been deemed a huge upset. Now, it’s almost expected. Here are our top predictions ahead of the Wales vs Fiji this weekend:

Prediction 1: Fiji to win @ 7/4 (2.75)

Historically, this is a fixture that Wales win. However, times are changing and we say the Pacific nation will triumph for several reasons. They now have a wealth of players who are used to playing against the world’s best week in week out, in Super Rugby Pacific and for European clubs. 

Fiji have also spent plenty of time together ahead of this World Cup, and are showing a much-improved set piece, as well as a mature, sensible kicking game. Combine this with the fact that they have several Olympic gold medalists who know how to handle the pressure of the big stage, and we say Fiji win this one.

Prediction 2: Fiji to win 13+ @ 15/2 (8.50)

This bet is a little more risky, but don’t expect Fiji to get sucked into playing Northern Hemisphere rugby. They’ll avoid playing too many rucks, and won’t be afraid to spin the ball wide. With Wales playing the way they are currently–poorly–there’s every chance that Fiji could turn this into something of a blow out, and put 13+ on their opposition in Bordeaux.

Wales vs Fiji preview: Can Fiji handle the weight of expectation?

Heading into this match, here’s a look at how both teams’ build ups have gone ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023:

Wales

It’s been an abysmal last few years for the Welsh. After finishing second-to-last in the Six Nations–which was something of a surprise, after they fell to Georgia in late 2022–Wales have scragged one win over an equally poor English side, and lost their three other World Cup warm up matches. So far, the return of Warren Gatland has been too little too late, and while they have some promising young players, any degree of success at this tournament feels like it would be a genuine surprise.

Fiji

For Fiji, it’s been quite the opposite. The Pacific nation has gone from strength to strength after the inclusion of the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific, as well as some adjustments to the eligibility rules for international rugby. The result is a genuinely competitive side, one that defeated England two weeks ago at Twickenham, and earned solid wins over Japan, Samoa and Tonga as well this year. With gamebreakers all over the park, plus an ever-improving set piece, Fiji are a real threat this World Cup.

Wales vs Fiji head to head

Wales have dominated the head to head between these two sides, winning 10 of 12 meetings so far, with one draw. Most recently, Wales won 38-23 in 2021, with Fiji’s only win coming in 2007 at the Rugby World Cup.

Wales vs Fiji match details

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