Fiji found themselves rueing missed chances, with Semi Radradra’s late-game drop standing out as a heartbreaking moment, as they slid to a 32-26 defeat to Wales in their Pool C opener in Bordeaux. Coach Simon Raiwalui emphasized the lack of clinical finishing and missed opportunities.
The match, which was part of a tournament already marred by video referee controversies, added more contentious moments to the list. A close-range Fiji score late in the second half was disallowed due to a knock-on, while Ryan Elias escaped on-field punishment for what some fans believed was a no-arms tackle.
Wales also faced criticism for conceding numerous penalties near their own try line in the second half without any players being sent to the sin bin.
Coach Raiwalui, while stopping short of a full-throated critique of referee Matthew Carley’s handling of the game, did express some astonishment at the absence of more yellow cards for Wales.
“It’s tough to talk when you’re heated after the match. I did think when we were down in the corner, we had multiple penalties and didn’t get a yellow card (for Wales),” Raiwalui commented. “Referees have a tough job, we didn’t get the rub of the green.”
Raiwalui might also ponder the timing of bringing powerhouse substitutes Josua Tuisova and Levani Botia into the game, as they immediately made their presence felt with powerful runs but entered too late to overturn the Welsh lead.
Both Tuisova and Botia will be available for selection in the next game against Australia after recovering from their knocks, Raiwalui assured.
Captain Waisea Nayacalevu declined to comment on the refereeing of the game when asked by reporters. Instead, he emphasized that his team had more opportunities to score than they were able to convert. Nayacalevu also praised the French crowd, who rallied behind Fiji during the match.
“Amazing, amazing crowd. I was just proud to be here and want to thank all the supporters who came and supported the game tonight,” Nayacalevu expressed his gratitude.
