Mike Phillips is determined to make the Wales No.9 shirt his own again after being dropped to the bench in last weekend’s November opener against the Wallabies.
The 32-year-old Phillips, a veteran of 88 caps and five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, found himself playing second fiddle to Rhys Webb as Wales were beaten 33-28 at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium on Sunday (AEDT) by Australia.
However, Phillips could find himself in the run-on side against Fiji when Wales play the second of four Tests on successive weekends that also pits Warren Gatland’s side against world champions New Zealand and South Africa.
And with less than a year to the World Cup in England, Phillips vowed to fight for his place.
“I have been fortunate to start a lot for Wales in recent years,” he said.
“Rhys deserved his last chance last week. I thought he played well and he took his try very well.
“I am a competitor – I think people know that. I am a proud man and we all want to play for Wales. It’s a great thing to have competition in the squad.
“The World Cup is all of the players’ goals – we all want to be there. It is a massive year of rugby in the lead-up, and we have got to play well every time we have the opportunity for Wales.”
Fullback Leigh Halfpenny (concussion) and five-eighth Dan Biggar (groin) look set to miss the Fiji clash.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said: “Leigh is going through his concussion protocols and we are hopeful he will be able to train later in the week.
“If he is not right, it is the same sort of situation and principle we had last week with (centres) Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams,” the former Wales halfback added. “We have to put safety first and make sure this is the same situation with all our players.
“I would expect Dan to be available, if not for this weekend, then for the last two matches.”
Wales have added Gloucester’s 76 times-capped James Hook to their back division by calling him up to the squad.
Fiji, like Australia, are also in Wales’ World Cup pool next year. On their last visit to Cardiff four years ago, the Pacific Islanders claimed a 16-16 draw.
