Wales' superior power and organisation was enough to give Gareth Williams' men a thrilling victory over Fiji's all out attack.
Wales U20 side are now in the 5th-8th playoffs, looking to improve on last year's seventh place finish after learning a great deal against a talented Fiji side. Dragons scrum half Dafydd Buckland was one of four Dragons involved from the start after a late change meant Ed Scragg started at lock, with Tom Devine in the front row and Deon Smith on the wing.
Buckland was one of six try scorers for Wales, as he crossed for Wales in the first half following quick thinking and quicker feet to touch down from a five metre penalty against a retreating Fijian defence. The lead changed hands repeatedly through the first 40 in a topsy turvy encounter, with Wales scoring three tries in each half.
"We’re delighted with the victory," said Buckland. "It was a really tight game, but we came out on top in the end after fighting for the full 80.
"The first half was end to end. It’s our third game in the tournament and some of the boys have had three full 80s so I’m really pleased with the boys.
"I’m buzzing about getting a try. The boys dominated the scrum for all of the game, so I took advantage of that, took a quick penalty and scored a five metre try."
"The Dragons boys starting today did well and a few others came on and made a really good impact, so I’m pleased for the boys.
"I’m really enjoying playing, hopefully I’ll get some more game time next game. Hopefully we can finish fifth as high as possible."
