Rugby World Cup 2019: Gatland buoyed by dominant Wales display

Wales can take plenty of confidence from their dominant victory over Georgia heading into a clash with fellow Rugby World Cup heavyweights Australia, according to coach Warren Gatland.

Six Nations winners Wales put in a superb first-half display in Toyota City in their opening Pool D encounter, securing a 29-0 lead and a bonus point before the interval.

Gareth Davies was in supreme form at scrum-half, with Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric, Josh Adams and Liam Williams scoring four of Wales’ six tries in the first half.

Gatland’s side eased off after the interval, though George North expertly teed up one try before scoring another to complete a 43-14 rout.

Though Gatland acknowledged Wales still had areas to improve on, he has no doubt the victory has put his team in a good place for Sunday’s meeting with the Wallabies.

“I think we can take a lot of confidence from that, they’re a tough side,” Gatland, whose side now top Pool D, said in a news conference.

“We’ve had some really tight games with them over the year. We tend to get better as tournaments go on.

“We’re pleased with the start and there is a lot of room for us to improve for next week. I don’t think we tried to hide any moves in the second half.

“We spoke about being smart. In the second half, the ball got slippery. Georgia allowed us a lot of opportunities to get into their half and take chances.

“We have a few things up our sleeve next week. It’s tough with a six-day turnaround. We’ve got to make sure we recover well and then start really planning.”

3 – Jonathan Davies’ try was the fastest ever @rugbyworldcup try that @WelshRugbyUnion have scored, beating @ShaneWilliams11‘s try against @IrishRugby in 2011 by 3s. Breakthrough. #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/tSlFcUtEKc

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) September 23, 2019

Wales only had two locks – Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball – available for Monday’s match, with Cory Hill still recovering from a stress fracture in his leg.

However, Gatland confirmed Hill’s tournament could well be over.

“Possibly,” Gatland said when asked if Hill would be returning to the UK. “In terms of fitness, he will go back to the UK if he is not right. We will assess him tomorrow and just see what progress he has made and how his injury is.

“If it is not good news then he will go back. If they think they can get him to recover then he will stay out. We are just going to assess it overnight.

“You just have to draw a line in the sand. You have to look forward. The players have been outstanding this week, the way the senior players have stepped up.”

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