Maiden win delights Haig
GEORGIA coach Milton Haig insisted patience was key as his side wore down Uruguay on their way to a 33-7 World Cup Pool D win over Uruguay.
Alexander Todua, Otari Giorgadze, Levan Chilachava, Jaba Bregvadze and Giorgi Kveseladze crossed for tries as the Lelos bounced back from their opening defeat to Wales with a bonus-point victory.
Haig said: “It was a fantastic effort by Uruguay [beating Fiji in their opening match] and we just knew that, with a four-day turnaround, it was always going to be tough to last 80 minutes. We kept doing what we were doing and thought they would tire in the second half.
“I’m really proud of the boys and how we played. It was important for us to get this first win out of the way.” WALES manager Warren Gatland hailed his players’ composure and fitness after they moved towards the World Cup quarter-finals with a memorable victory over Australia.
The Pool D showdown did not disappoint as Wales cruised into a 26-8 lead before Australia went within a point of drawing level - and were then finally broken by replacement Rhys Patchell’s late penalty.
Wales’ 29-25 triumph keeps them on course for a potential last-eight clash against France or Argentina - but Australia appear to be hurtling towards a quarter-final appointment with England and their former head coach Eddie Jones.
It was Wales second win in succession against Australia but a first World Cup victory over the Wallabies since 1987.
“I would like to see them [Wales players] celebrate tonight,” Gatland said. “They deserve to celebrate - it was a tough game and a great win.
“Australia were really good in the second half, put us under a lot of pressure and had a lot of ball.
“And it became a typical WalesAustralia clash, going right down to the wire. To win that is very pleasing, and that means the pool is our own destiny. Our game-management has improved significantly. It was good in the autumn last year, and particularly in the Six Nations.
“We’ve learnt a lot from those experiences. Even though we were under a lot of pressure in that second half, I thought our composure and fitness were really good and we soaked up a lot of pressure.
“I want the guys to look after themselves tonight, but they deserve to pat each other on the back. It’s a big confidence boost for the next couple of games.”