Dragons back row Ross Moriarty knows more than most about the threat Fiji pose as Wales prepare to face them in the Rugby World Cup on Wednesday.
In 2012 Moriarty featured for Gloucester A against Fiji A at Kingsholm and helped the English outfit to a famous and thrilling 31-29 success following a second-half fightback.
“Any game at the World Cup is big. I was fortunate to play for Gloucester’s A team against Fiji A when I was 18 which was a bit of an eye-opener,” Moriarty said.
“To be on this stage now makes it even bigger and I’m excited to get out on the pitch, get a start, and show everyone what I can do.
“We know it’s going to be tough. It won’t be easy, but we’ve been working hard in the last week and we’ve done our analysis.
“We will have to close Fiji down in defence and in attack we want to get points on the board.
“We know they have some great individuals, but so do we and we’re just going to make sure we put everything out there and do the job.”
Moriarty starts at No 8 against Fiji after coming off the bench in the first two tournament wins over Georgia and Australia.
It means Josh Navidi has moved from the base of the scrum to the blindside flank with James Davies starting on the openside. Head coach Warren Gatland has shuffled his back-row trio.
“Obviously I’ve been disappointed not to get the starts, but nonetheless this is a World Cup and it’s great to be involved, to come off the bench, and to contribute in some big games,” added Moriarty.
“I’ve got the start now and I’m really excited for it. I’ve been working hard in training and it’s been great competition in the back-row. We’re all fit and firing.”
I’m excited to get out on the pitch, get a start, and show everyone what I can do...
