Wales v Fiji player ratings as giant silences doubters and Jac Morgan immense

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Wales scored six tries on their way to a 39-24 victory over Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Tries from Jac Morgan (two), Rhys Carre, Josh Adams and Eddie James, along with a combined nine points from the boots of Dan Edwards and Sam Costelow got Wales over the line.

Here are your player ratings.

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15. Blair Murray 7

Murray arguably had the toughest job on the field as the last line of defence, given Fiji’s attacking threat. There were a few hairy moments but the Scarlets man did a decent job of limiting the damage.

Murray also sparked Wales into life following the break with a scintillating break after taking a high ball which eventually led to Rhys Carre’s try.

14. Louis Rees-Zammit 5

The Bristol Bears wing will be frustrated at the lack of time Wales got the ball into his hands.

He had a really tough time defending the likes of Jiuta Wainiqolo and Salesi Rayasi but was good in the air.

13. Eddie James 6

The Scarlets man had his hands full up against Semi Radradra and Josua Tuisova but he gave a decent account of himself.

James fronted up defensively but found it difficult to get over the gain-line.

He claimed a try at the death.

12. Joe Hawkins 6

Hawkins found it tough going against the powerhouse Fijian midfield. He fronted up well but there were a few loose kicks, while his decision-making could have been better with ball in hand.

But he showed some nice touches and put Eddie James over for the final try.

11. Josh Adams 7

The experienced wing had his hands full against Fiji’s deadly back three but he defended well for the most part.

Adams also competed well in the air and looked dangerous with ball in hand.

The Cardiff wing’s never-say-die attitude resulted in a crucial try just after the break when he sneaked in under the nose of Selestino Ravutaumada.

10. Dan Edwards 5

Edwards showed flashes of what he is capable of but struggled to control the game at times.

His kicking both out of hand and at goal wasn’t as accurate as it needed to be while he got caught out defensively on more than one occasion.

But he did look good with ball in hand.

9. Tomos Williams 7

The experienced scrum-half missed three tackles in the opening 10 minutes but recovered very well.

He kicked well out of hand and looked a threat, while he also did well to scramble in defence when Fiji broke clear later in the game.

There was also a good steal at the breakdown to relieve pressure when Fiji had the bit between their teeth in the Wales 22.

8. Aaron Wainwright 8

The Leicester Tigers backrower carried well throughout, winning vitally important post-contact metres for his side.

Wainwright also put in 12 tackles and was extremely effective at the breakdown.

7. Jac Morgan 9 (Star man)

Wales’ best player and thoroughly deserving of his player of the match award.

Morgan put in a huge shift, finishing as the top tackler with 17, while he played a crucial role at the breakdown

He also claimed two tries. A superstar.

6. Alex Mann 5

A tough day at the office for the Cardiff backrower who suffered a head knock early on before returning to the field.

He grafted as always but will be disappointed to have knocked the ball on metres short from the Fiji try line while he also conceded a silly penalty which resulted in a try.

5. Adam Beard 8

The often maligned Montpellier lock needed a big performance after losing his place during the Six Nations and he delivered.

Beard was superb at the set-piece and got through a mountain of work.

The giant lock made 13 tackles and won two turnovers. A really good performance after criticism.

4. Ben Carter 8

He played a big part in ensuring Wales’ lineout functioned well as they got three tries directly from their maul.

Carter was very good in the tight and imposed himself physically, making 14 tackles, while there were also a couple of strong carries.

3. Dillon Lewis 7

The Dragons tighthead was part of a Wales scrum which dominated the Fijian eight.

Lewis worked hard around the park, getting through a lot of defensive work while adding value at the breakdown. Impressive.

2. Dewi Lake 7

Lake was one of Wales’ better players.

The Gloucester-bound hooker is a work horse who put in 10 tackles, while he also made six powerful carries.

Lake’s throwing in was also very accurate for the most part and he led from the front throughout.

1. Rhys Carré 8

The Saracens prop took Fiji to the cleaners at scrum time, shoving them backwards at a rate of knots on more than one occasion.

He carried well and claimed Wales’ third try with a powerful surge.

Replacements

16. Ryan Elias 7

Elias made a big impact in the tight with a couple of powerful carries, while he also claimed the decisive try.

17. Nicky Smith 7

Smith ensured Wales’ scrum continued to dominate while he also put in some big hits and competed well at the breakdown.

18. Ben Warren 6

A decent Test debut. Solid in the scrum

19. Taine Plumtree 6

The Scarlets man brought a lot of energy and did well to shove a Fijian player over the line to earn a five-metre scrum.

20. James Botham 7

He made a big impact getting through a lot of work and winning a turnover penalty.

21. Kieran Hardy N/A

22. Sam Costelow 7

He brought some control and kicked well out of hand.

23. Ellis Mee 6

Solid in defence and a few decent carries

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