Wales had to hang on with their fingernails as they edged Fiji in a thrilling Rugby World Cup Pool C match in Bordeaux, winning 32-26 on Sunday.
The Fijians came agonisingly close to recovering from 32-14 down with just seven minutes remaining, but a knock-on from Semi Radradra ended their fight.
Earlier, Wales had crossed the try-line through Josh Adams, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and Elliot Dee, with Dan Biggar kicking 12 points off the tee.
For Fiji, their scorers were Waisea Nayacalevu, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Josua Tuisova and Mesake Losilosi Doge, but they will rue this loss as one that got away.
Warren Gatland masterminded two semi-final appearances during his previous reign as Wales’ head coach, and his players produced easily their best performance this year.
Biggar steered the ship impressively, while Wales’ defence often came up trumps at key moments, even somehow withholding Fiji late on after they were matched blow for blow.
Taulupe Faletau returned to Wales’ starting line-up after a calf muscle injury that sidelined him for the entire tournament warm-up schedule.
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