FIJI fired a warning shot to Wales before their big showdown on Saturday after they crushed Pontypool with ease last night.

The South Sea Islanders were far fitter, faster and more skilful than the Welsh League Division One leaders, and the difference in class showed when they finally broke Pontypool's resolve and scored 52 points in a second-half blitz.

The crowd of 5,000 at Pontypool Park were treated to Fiji's typically sparkling style of running rugby.

They also included several players who earn their living playing top class rugby in Wales, England and France, though their New Zealand-based players were missing.

A spirited first 20 minutes from Pooler promised great things, but they could not sustain their performance and then began conceding tries every few minutes as the Fiji ran riot and scored almost at will.

A scrappy and bad tempered first ten minutes saw fists flying and Pontypool centre Jonathan Williams put the home side into a 6-0 lead with two penalties.

But the physical Fijians soon showed how deadly they were with the ball in hand when full-back Navira finished off some fine back play to run in the game's first try after 15 minutes.

A few minutes later Pontypool fought back and stretched their lead when Navira's opposite number James Rowles intercepted a Fijian pass on the halfway line to sprint in a try under the posts. Williams converted to make the score 13-5.

The try was the high point of Pontypool's evening as Fiji's deft handling, taking the ball forward at pace with excellent support play gave the Gwent side a harsh rugby lesson.

A powerful run by Neath's Alfie Mocelutu, brushing off tackles, clawed back the deficit after his converted try made the score 13-12 after 22 minutes.

Slick handling from backs and forwards alike created a lovely try for winger Isaac Mow, who went on to get a hat-trick, to put Fiji into a 17-13 lead they never lost.

It was Fiji's turn to score an interception try a few minutes later when powerful centre Ruivadra's converted try took the score up to 22-13.

Pontypool had a great opportunity to get back in the game just before half-time when some fine driving play by the forwards took them to within inches of the Fijian line.

However they failed to score and never looked like getting a try again.

They lost their shape completely after the interval as Fiji cut them to pieces.

Fiji brought some of their big guns on for the second half including Newport skipper Simon Raiwalui, former Pontypridd and now Saracens outside half Nicky Little and, right at the end, sevens legend Waisale Serevi.

Sadly, the game completely lost any interest as a contest and Wales coach Steve Hansen decided he had seen enough and left his seat in the stand long before the end. He will have plenty to ponder after seeing a very efficient and competent Fijian side.

Pontypool scorers: Try - James Rowles; penalties - Jonathan Williams (3); conversion - Jonathan Williams

Fiji scorers: Tries - Navira, Mocelutu, Mow (3), Rabeni, J Raulini, Naevo (2), Ligari, Cavubati, Narruhn; conversion - Narruhn (2), Little (3), Serevi