Wales equal worst losing streak after first home defeat to Fiji

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales lost a record-equaling 10th straight rugby test when it was defeated at home for the first time by Fiji 24-19 on Sunday.

Fiji overcame a 14-3 deficit and red and yellow cards to beat Wales in Cardiff for the first time in nine attempts dating to 1985.

Flyhalf Caleb Muntz kicked Fiji into the lead for the first time in the 49th minute and a powerful try by inside center Josua Tuisova gave Fiji breathing room on the scoreboard.

Wales rallied within two points but replacement flyhalf Sam Costelow missed the conversion to tie the score.

Muntz’s fourth penalty in the 76th put the pressure back on Wales, which made one last surge until hopes died in a knock-on in front of the Fiji try-line.

Wales’ losing streak matches its worst sequence in 2002-03, and dates to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals in France 13 months ago, and the Welsh face the possibility of going through 2024 without a win. Its last two matches host Australia next weekend then world champion South Africa.