'I'm sure they would have got a rollocking at half-time'

Try-scorer Gareth Davies praised Wales’ character following their thrilling 29-25 World Cup victory over Australia at Tokyo Stadium.

Wales took charge of Pool D as a result, moving closer to a potential quarter-final appointment with France or Argentina.

But they did it the hard way as Australia fought back to a point behind from 26-8 adrift before Wales claimed a first World Cup victory against the Wallabies since 1987.

“I am sure they (Australia) would have got a rollocking at half-time,” said Davies, who claimed a memorable first-half interception touchdown.

“We knew they would come out all guns blazing, and that is what they did.

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WATCH: Wales react to a famous night in Tokyo

“It shows our character, because in past years we might not have held on.”

Wales face remaining group games against Fiji and Uruguay, but have 10 days before playing the Fijians in Oita.

Davies added: “We know it was a very important win for us, but we are not going to get too far ahead of ourselves.

“We just need to keep building. It was a very tough test, and now we’ve got a couple of days to chill out.”

Replacement Rhys Patchell played a key role in Wales’ victory, kicking 14 points – including a drop-goal – after going on for Dan Biggar, who failed a head injury assessment.

Biggar also dropped a goal, and Patchell said: “We were aware that when we were down in Australia’s half we wanted to come away with points.

“‘Bigs’ hit his (drop-goal) phenomenally well. Mine was a bit more scratchy.

"We're gonna win the World Cup!" ???????

Welsh fans have a message for @jimhamilton4 and the World after famous win over Australia. #RugbyWorldCup #AUSvWAL pic.twitter.com/WuLfgSDkyQ

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 29, 2019

“But they all count. I wanted to make sure we got some points on the board early in the second half.

“When you get to a World Cup, everybody thinks tries win a World Cup. But what wins World Cups is goalkicking and being able to take those points.

“Historically – 2003, 2007, 2011 – it was probably only 2015 when the All Blacks ran away with the game and were able to put a bit of light between Australia and themselves. As kickers, you have got to be ready for those opportunities.

“We have got a great bunch of kickers that enjoy putting in the hard work, and today we came off the right side of the ledger. I am just pleased they went over.”

Australia’s post-match reaction to defeat to Wales