Wales gear up to win first Test match of 2024 as players await news

by · Wales Online

Warren Gatland's Wales are hoping to secure their first Test victory of 2024.

The first challenge that lies ahead of the team is a date with Fiji at the Principality Stadium on Sunday. The last time the two sides met was a jaw-dropping encounter in the pool stages of the World Cup, where Wales won 32-26.

While that was a fine victory for Gatland, it was one of the last, for a long time. Wales defeated Georgia in the final pool game of their tournament, before losing to Argentina in the subsequent quarter-final. That 43-19 win against the Georgians remains their last victory at Test level.

For context, that's October 7, 2023, which is well over a year ago now. 2024 has seen Wales lost all eight Test matches to date, with Gatland forced to blood a lot of new faces amid a host of experienced departures last year.

The retirements of George North, Dan Biggar, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric in the last two years have put a huge dent in the level of experience in the squad. However, this autumn, Gatland welcomes back the likes of Gareth Anscombe, Will Rowlands, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams, who all missed the tour of Australia during the summer, which Wales lost 2-0.

Those four alone will help steady the ship with their Test match know-how and experience of winning. The question now is who will start against Fiji, with Gatland set to name his team on Friday.

Ahead of their opening Test match of the autumn internationals, we take a look at some of the latest pictures from camp.

All images have been provided by Huw Evans Picture Agency.

Wales star Aaron Wainwright has made his return from injury.(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Dragons winger Rio Dyer (left) and Scarlets centre Eddie James (right) arrive at training.
Cardiff Rugby centre Ben Thomas (left) and Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow (right) arrive at training.
Gloucester winger Josh Hathaway warms up with Cardiff centre Ben Thomas.
This is the first time Bath Rugby tighthead prop Archie Griffin has been in Wales camp since speaking about the health condition that kept him out at the start of the season.
Exeter Chiefs star Christ Tshiunza can cover both the back row and second row.
Gloucester Rugby scrum-half Tomos Williams has been in sizzling-hot form in the Gallagher Premiership.