Fiji Stun Wales in Rugby World Cup Thriller
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 delivered another dramatic contest as Fiji edged past Wales with a 28–25 victory at Sandy Park in Exeter. The match was packed with energy, raw emotion, and plenty of tension, and it will be remembered as one of the most entertaining pool games of this tournament.
The contest began with a lightning-fast start from Wales. Carys Cox broke through in just the second minute to put her team ahead, and Alex Callender soon followed with another try after strong forward play. At that point, Welsh supporters believed their side had set the tone for the afternoon. But Fiji had other ideas. Their response was both ruthless and inspired. Josivini Neihamu scored twice in quick succession, showing blistering pace and smart finishing, while Setaita Railumu and Adi Tove added tries of their own. With Litiana Vueti converting four times, Fiji had raced to a commanding 28–10 lead by the 37th minute.
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Just before the break, Wales found a glimmer of hope when powerhouse prop Sisilia Tuipulotu powered over, cutting the deficit. The second half then shifted momentum entirely. Kayleigh Powell sliced through the Fiji defense with a clever dummy to score, and suddenly the belief in the Welsh camp returned. Both sides had tries ruled out in a tense, chaotic spell, but Wales kept pressing. Lisa Neumann eventually scored in the corner to bring them within three points at 25–28, setting up a frantic finish.
Despite all the pressure, Fiji’s defense held firm. In the dying seconds, Wales were camped under the posts, only meters away from stealing victory, but errors and resilient tackling from the Fijians saw the clock run down. When the final whistle sounded, Fiji’s players and supporters erupted in celebration. It was only their second-ever World Cup win, and it came against a side that had been expected to dominate them.
For Wales, the result was bitterly disappointing. They actually scored more tries than Fiji—five in total—but not a single conversion was made. Ten points were missed from the kicking tee, and those opportunities proved decisive. This defeat means Wales finish their campaign without a single win, bottom of Pool B, just three years after reaching the quarter-finals in New Zealand.
Commentators and former players were quick to reflect on the state of Welsh rugby. Many argued that while individual talent and flashes of attacking brilliance were clear, the lack of consistent investment, professionalism, and sharp game management left Wales behind nations who have adapted quicker to the professional era. Still, there was some optimism voiced, with several pointing out the strength in the youth pathways that could shape a more competitive future.
For Fiji, coached by former Wales boss Ioan Cunningham, this result was especially sweet. His side showed flair, resilience, and determination, and they leave the tournament with pride restored. For Wales, however, it will be remembered as a campaign of near-misses, wasted chances, and hard lessons. Both teams may be heading home, but they gave the crowd in Exeter a nine-try thriller that will live long in the memory.
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