Fiji vs Wales Preview & Prediction | 2026 Nations Championship | Round 1

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Fiji have been forced to play this 'home' fixture in Cardiff against Wales, as both sides begin their respective Nations Championship journeys.

Start date/time: 4 July 2026 at 2:10 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – ITV / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – ITVX / USA – RugbyPass TV

Fiji team news: Salesi Rayasi the dangerman

Squad: 15 Salesi Rayasi, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Pita-Gus Sowakula, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Tim Hoyt, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Eroni Mawi

Replacements: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Vilimoni Botitu, 23 Kalaveti Ravouvou

Wales team news: Six changes from win over Barbarians

Squad: 15 Blair Murray, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 1 Rhys Carre

Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Ben Warren, 19 Taine Plumtree, 20 James Botham, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Ellis Mee

Fiji vs Wales prediction

An always-entertaining Fiji side romped to their seventh Pacific Nations Cup triumph last year, defeating Japan in a thrilling final, while they competed well in the Autumn Nations Series that followed, with admirable defeats to both England and France.

A 44-31 triumph over Spain was their most recent outing, and they will certainly back themselves here against a Wales side who have fallen off a cliff in the last couple of years.

Despite the fact this 'home' match for Fiji will take place in Cardiff due to their own stadium not meeting the desired requirements, they have to be seen as favourites against Steve Tandy's side.

Amidst several off-the-field issues concerning the WRU, Wales are simply looking to get back on track after a dreadful spell in their history.

Wales, who narrowly beat the Barbarians last weekend in an unofficial contest, came last in the Six Nations table for the third year in succession, so hopes and expectations for the inaugural Nations Championship are understandably muted.

We like Fiji for this opener.

Fiji vs Wales tip: Fiji to win