Rugby Union: Wales 38 - 20 Pacific Islanders

As Wales romped to an emphatic victory, their first in seven internationals, there was vindication for all those training camps, all that video analysis, everything that embodies the professional era of rugby union.

The Pacific Islanders were probably as fast as the Welsh; they were certainly as strong. But they have had minimal time to train together under the guidance of Pat Lam and Shane Howarth. Nor had they played a match together before yesterday and, if their plight needed highlighting, one of their number, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, the Fijian winger who plays at Agen, could not make it to Cardiff because he had lost his passport.

So while we could wonder at the physical power of this combination of Samoans, Fijians and Tongans they were no match for a Wales team, albeit a shadow 15, who were slick, precise and well drilled in all that they did. The score did not flatter the Islanders, who had their passages of dominance, but their rustiness and lack of cohesion was reflected by two tries donated to Wales from interceptions in the first half.

This gave the home side a formidable 31-5 lead at half time and set the tone for a carefree, flamboyant second-half that thrilled a less-than-capacity crowd almost as much as the score bulletins from Twickenham. The Islanders had nothing to lose; Wales knew they could not lose and the ball was tossed around with abandon throughout a final half-hour that must have been gruelling for the players, but highly entertaining for onlookers.

After an early Ceri Sweeney penalty, the Islanders announced their intentions by tapping a penalty near their own line - without making much headway. Soon Wales took charge. Michael Phillips, a gargantuan scrum-half, crossed the line but it was eventually decreed by the video referee, George Clancy, that he had not grounded the ball. Mr Clancy, we soon discovered, liked to take his time over these decisions. He agonised for three minutes after Mark Jones touched down, following a mazy run down the left wing. Eventually he decided that Jones had stayed in play and Wales were on their way.

Sweeney, at fly-half, directed affairs with panache, deft and decisive. With James Hook now on the horizon - he was in the centre - the old Welsh fly-half factory seems to be back in full production. Sweeney was given the kicking duties ahead of Hook and you could see why. He did not miss a kick all afternoon. Those two interceptions by Hook and Lee Byrne finished off the Islanders chances, but did not quash their spirits. They managed one try before the break when Justin Va'a powered over by the corner flag and a try was awarded after due deliberation from Mr Clancy.

In the second half the game became more fragmented and that suited the visitors' style. Seilala Mapasua completed a free-flowing move, while Kameli Ratuvou, an early replacement, showed blistering pace for the Islanders' third try. Judging by his display he should not just be a replacement in the future. They might have lost the match, but the Islanders won the second half.

It could have been a good time to play the Islanders - before they have had a chance to gel - but Wales must be satisfied as well as bruised after this encounter. There has been much talk in the past week about the depth of Welsh rugby. Although their coach Gareth Jenkins was hardly likely to refer to this team as his second-stringers on the evidence of yesterday such talk is justified. On the Celtic side of the bridge rugby still brings a smile to the locals, laughter too, when the final score from Twickenham was triumphantly announced on the Tannoy.

Man of the match: Ceri Sweeney

b>Millennium Stadium 50,769 </b>

Wales Morgan; Byrne (Evans 50), Parker, Hook,

M Jones (S Williams 53); Sweeney, Phillips (Cooper 2); D Jones (capt), R Thomas (Bennett 73), Horsman (A Jones 56), Owen (J Thomas 72), Sidoli, A Wyn Jones, Popham, G Thomas

Tries M Jones, Hook, Morgan, Byrne, Sweeney

Cons Sweeney 5 Pen Sweeney

Pacific I Ligairi; Fa'atau, Rabeni, Mapasua (Bai 58), Tagicakibau (Ratuva20) ; Pisi, Rauluni (Poluleuligaga 74); Va'a, Schwalger (Lutui 58), Taumoepeau (Johnson 68), Raiwalui (capt), Leo (Molitika 65), Sititi, T-Pole (Taione 51), Latu

Tries Va'a, Mapasua, Ratuva Con Pisi Pen Pisi

Referee W Barnes (Eng)