2023-09-11 00:25:09
This is already one of the strong images of this World Cup. Semi Redrada, the Fijian rugby star, author of a forward when a try was offered to him, ten meters from the opposing line. Regulation time was over and the Fijians looked capable of an incredible overthrow. Before a hand error turns the dream into a nightmare. Waisea Nayacalevu could not hold back her tears.
On the Welsh side, this surreal end to the match left the players at a loss, hesitating to celebrate this victory which had become improbable in less than five minutes. But under the eyes of Prince William, Wales resisted an incredible end to the match to achieve a valuable victory (32-26) over one of their main rivals for qualification.
Like all Welsh supporters, Prince William suffered on Sunday evening in Bordeaux. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP) AFP or licensors
In terms of points, the Welsh share the lead in the pool with Australia, also victorious with Saturday’s bonus from Georgia (35-15). The Fijians, who will find it difficult to console themselves with a double defensive and offensive bonus, will play their all against the Wallabies next Sunday in Saint-Étienne. The Welsh will face double world champions Australia the following Sunday in Lyon.
Warren Gatland’s men, rewarded for their good start by Adams in the 7th minute, thought they had done the hard part by scoring three more tries by North (29), Rees-Zammit (48), Dee (66) and adding 12 points at the foot of their opener Biggar – formidable leader of men -, to have an 18 point lead with less than a quarter of an hour to go.
But the Fijians, who had already briefly gone in front thanks to two tries from Nayacalevu (13th) and Tagitagivalu (17th), threatened them until the end by scoring two more times in the last ten minutes by Tuisova (73rd) and Doge (78th). Alas, Radradra, at the end of the line, missed the match point after the siren by committing a forward.
The Fijians will also be able to regret the three other times where they crossed the line without seeing their efforts validated by the referee, either for a forward (35th, 62nd), or for lack of images to confirm that the player had flattened (77th).
#Rugby #World #Cup #Fijians #regret #long #time