How they rated
LIAM WILLIAMS 6
Back in his favoured habitat of full-back, he seemed on a mission to run the legs off Georgia early on. He made a lot of metres and gave Wales a dash of X factor but did concede a couple of penalties, too.
JOHNNY MCNICHOLL 5
Perhaps he’s done something to offend the rugby gods in another life. A class act and a lethal finisher, a player capable of giving Wales an added dimension, but he’s been unlucky with injuries and picked up another bump here.
NICK TOMPKINS 6
Steady rather than spectacular, with lots of industry. There was the odd defensive glitch, but Tompkins ran well and helped set up the first try with a punchy carry towards the Georgia line.
JOHNNY WILLIAMS 6
Took on the responsibility of denting the Georgia defence behind the scrum and made a decent fist of it, with Williams’ surge forward triggering Rhys Webb’s try. He defended soundly.
LOUIS REES-ZAMMIT 7
A first Test start for the teenager, and surely the first of many Wales caps. Claimed his first try at this level with a nice finish and put in a gliding run that saw him bewilder the Georgian defence. Also came up with an assist when Webb crossed. He’s a class act.
CALLUM SHEEDY 7
New to Test rugby, but it didn’t look it. Throughout, there was a whiff of calm authority about him. He put Wales in the right areas and also opened the Georgia defence with a lovely cut-out pass to send over Rees-Zammit for first try before showing lovely soft hands for Rhys Webb’s try.
KIERAN HARDY 6
The youngster can be quietly pleased with his debut display.
He flicked out passes crisply and came up with one of the best exit kicks Wales have managed all autumn. More in credit than debit.
WYN JONES 8
Will the penny finally drop after this? Wales pick scrummaging props and what happens? They win two penalties from the first three scrums and pop up an opponent in the other. Jones also achieved a turnover in those early exchanges.
ELLIOT DEE 6
The only way could be up for the Welsh line-out after the shambles of the past couple of games, surely? Well, Dee overthrew early on and a couple more throws failed to find their targets, but conditions were terrible.
Still, the Dragon defended well and put in a few carries.
SAMSON LEE 7
Up against the world-rated Mikheil Nariashvili in the scrums, but didn’t seem overly fazed – far from it, with Lee forcing a penalty or two out of his renowned opponent. He and Wyn Jones helped lay the foundation for Wales’ win, providing them with the solid base they lacked against Scotland and Ireland.
JAKE BALL 7
How Wales had missed this guy’s physicality, graft and mastery of the basics. There’ll probably never be a highlights reel of his work, but the way he achieved a maul turnover towards the end of the opening half was in its own quiet way something to savour. He’s a grafter who carried and defended impressively, and Wales looked better for his inclusion.
SEB DAVIES 6
First Test start in two years and first Wales outing as a starting lock in three years. It was an encouraging effort from Davies, who took line-outs, carried ball and didn’t miss a beat in defence.
JAMES BOTHAM 6
Earned his first cap on the back of some terrific displays for Cardiff Blues and he grew into the game in Llanelli, almost come up with a headline moment with a charge down the right wing. He’d been quiet in the opening half but stuck at it and will be better for this outing.
JUSTIN TIPURIC 7
The captain had a strong all-round game, leading his side impressively, stealing a line-out, supporting, tackling and handling well. A swinging arm from Beka Saginadze ended Tipuric’s afternoon early and could leave him doubtful for Wales’ game against England next Saturday. Bad news for Wayne Pivac’s side.
STAR MAN AARON WAINWRIGHT 8
There was the odd spillage, but, overall, Wainwright came up with a really strong carrying performance, scattering defenders and making ground.
The official man of the match, the Dragon was also good in defence.
REPLACEMENTS: 6
Lloyd for L. Williams (58) Holmes for McNicholl (43), Webb for Hardy (55) Smith for W. Jones (67), Parry for Dee (70) Brown for Lee (62), Hill for S. Davies (62) J. Davies for Tipuric (55).
GEORGIA
Khmaladze, Tabutsadze, Kveseladze, Sharikadze, Todua Abzhandadze, Lobzhanidze, Nariashvili, Bregvadze, Gigashvili Kerdikoshvili, Mikautadze, Giorgadze, Saghinadze, Gorgadze.
Replacements: Aprasidze for Lobzhanidze (55) Gogichashvili for Nariashvili (54) Chkoidze for Bregvadze (67), Kaulashvili for Gigashvili (54) Jaiani for Mikautadze (37), Tkhilaishvili for Giorgadze (55).
Not Used: Tapladze, Mchedlidze.
Sin Bin: Saghinadze (56).
REFEREE
Luke Pearce (RFU).