Wales struggle to beat Uruguay
KUMAMOTO, Japan - A scrappy Wales were made to work hard for victory against Uruguay but prevailed with a bonus point 35-13 win in Kumamoto on Sunday to top Pool D and set up a World Cup quarter-final with three-times finalists France.
Wales clung to an eight-point lead with seven minutes left until a strong carry by Leigh Halfpenny scattered the Uruguayan defence and opened up a hole for Tomos Williams to settle the matter with the bonuspoint try.
Wales also scored tries from Nicky Smith, Josh Adams, Gareth Davies and a penalty try but coach Warren Gatland was a picture of discontent for much of the evening.
His team were denied four tries, including two from forward passes, and committed a slew of handling errors on a perfect night for rugby.
“We know we have to do a lot better than that. But we have to be happy that we came away with a bonuspoint win,” said flanker Justin Tipuric, who led the side for the first time in place of regular rested skipper Alun Wyn Jones.
“You have to give Uruguay credit. They didn’t stop from the beginning to the end and they’re a tough bunch of boys.”
Uruguay bowed out of the World Cup with huge satisfaction having earned plenty of respect from tierone nations and also upset Pacific power Fiji earlier in the tournament.
“There were areas where we were able to play how we wanted and we were also able to shock Wales,” said coach Esteban Meneses.
“We were able to show how we have developed Uruguayan rugby.”
The Welsh had come into match with 13 changes and a patched-up backline with Dan Biggar sidelined after his second head knock of the tournament.
A moment of silence was held before the game for victims of Typhoon Hagibis, which pounded into Japan’s main island of Honshu on Saturday.
Wales dominated possession in the early exchanges but their raids were stopped by some dogged Uruguayan tackling.
Flanker Aaron Shingler broke through on the right wing to plant the ball by the flag in the 11th minute but the try was disallowed as he was well outside the touch line.