Fiji hail ‘greatest ever’ win

Fiji coach Ilie Tabua admitted that his side’s famous 38-34 World Cup victory over Wales in Nantes on Sunday left him speechless.

Fiji advanced to the last eight for the first time in 20 years following a game destined to be remembered as a classic both for its nine tries and the shock of seeing one of the so-called ‘minnows’ upset one of the sport’s senior nations.

“It hasn’t actually sunk in yet,” said Tabua.

“Our goal was to get to the quarter-finals, to achieve it was an amazing feeling.

“I know it’s early morning back home but I know the whole of Fiji is awake.”

Fiji, although outscored five tries to four, were always in the game thanks to the goal-kicking of Nicky Little while Wales squandered 10 points through off-target efforts.

Fiji captain Mosese Rauluni paid tribute to the tenacity of his troops before readjusting his side’s goal to a victory over South Africa in next week’s quarter-final in Marseille.

“This is probably one of the greatest victories Fiji has ever had,” he said.

“We set a goal before we started to get into top eight.

“But we’ve said to the boys the job’s not over – we’ve got other things to strive for.”

But the one downside to Fiji’s day was the sight of fly-half Little, who kicked 18 points, being stretchered off in extra-time with what looked like a serious knee injury.

“He’s been taken to hospital and we will assess the medical report later,” said Tabua