Wales secure dominant World Cup win
WALES took a major step towards the 2017 World Cup with yesterday’s crushing victory over Serbia in their opening European Pool A match in Llanelli.
Wingers Rhys Williams, Wales’ all-time leading tryscorer, Regan Grace and scrum-half Ollie Olds all scored two tries apiece as the reigning European champions made light work of an inexperienced Serbian outfit.
John Kear’s men never looked back after Williams went over twice in the first quarter, taking his try total for his country to 17.
Grace produced a strong finish to increase the lead on 29 minutes while Olds added a fourth before half-time and Lloyd White kicked two conversions to make it 20-0.
There was no way back for the visitors when Williams sent in stand-off Courtney Davies, who converted his own try, and Wales cut loose after Serbia had winger Pero Madzarevic sent to the sin bin for a trip on man-of-thematch Elliot Kear on 54 minutes.
Andrew Gay went over before Grace sprinted 60 metres for his second and Davies’ third goal extended his side’s lead to 38-0.
Olds then took advantage of a defensive blunder to grab his second try and prop Gil Dudson plunged over for Wales’ ninth, with White scoring his fourth goal.
Wales will secure their place at next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with a win over Italy in Monza in a fortnight’s time.