1
Wales secured their spot at the top of the pool with a bonus point victory, although they made hard work of it during an error-riddled 80 minutes. Uruguay defended wave after wave of Welsh phases stoutly but, in the end, they couldn’t replicate their heroics against Fiji.
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In this mostly second-string team, a number of Welsh players were fighting to put their hands up for selection in the quarter-final. Did any manage it?
We rate the full squad below.
15. Leigh Halfpenny – 7
Missed an easy kick by his standards. He showed more intent in attack but was reliable rather than showing his old spark. Remains a class act in defence.
Here are your World Cup Quarter Finals! #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/pezpwXpK86
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 13, 2019
14. Josh Adams – 8
One of the few in this side to be a regular starter and it showed. Went looking for work in the first half and picked up a fifth try in four games during the second.
13. Owen Watkin – 6
Made some crucial defensive contributions and showed up in attack but not challenging for a spot unless injury prevents Parkes or Jonathan Davies from playing.
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12. Hadleigh Parkes – 5
Two tries were ruled out because his final pass was forward. This game needed him to show some composure and he didn’t deliver. Could probably have done with a rest.
11. Hallam Amos – 6
Denied a hat-trick of tries, twice because Parkes’ assisting pass was forward, once because of his own poor handling. Seemed before this match to be the most likely to fight his way into the 23 but probably didn’t do enough, although he worked hard.
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Another upset on the cards? Uruguay taking no sh*t from Wales! ? #WALvURU #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/SX8Vw3ts32
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 13, 2019
10. Rhys Patchell – 6
Didn’t have the composure in the first half that he showed in his previous outings but grew into the game more. Lovely long pass towards the end but Wales fans will hope Dan Biggar is fit.
9. Aled Davies – 5
Looked too slow for the pace Wales were trying to play at. Steady but not thrilling.
1. Nicky Smith – 6
Picked up a try but didn’t shine. May be under pressure for his spot, especially after he gave away a cheap turnover.
The IRFU are not happy. #RWC2019 https://t.co/n7XpSu9K9l
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 13, 2019
2. Ryan Elias – 6
Carried well but unlikely to have done enough to dislodge Dee as the reserve hooker.
3. Dillon Lewis – 5
As one of only two tightheads, he’s not under pressure for his spot but his performance didn’t inspire.
4. Bradley Davies – 7
His one-handed break early on was a surprise even to him, it seemed. Carried hard and straight when Wales needed it.
5. Adam Beard – 6
Not too shabby for a player who had his appendix out before arriving in Japan. His mauling defence might see him sneak ahead of Davies for a bench spot.
6. Aaron Shingler – 6
Tried to get involved everywhere and had a try ruled out but didn’t do enough to challenge for a starting spot. A little too keen to offload.
7. Justin Tipuric (capt) – 7
Couldn’t drag this second-string side together as captain. From a playing perspective, he was as involved as always. Withdrawn early, presumably with an eye on the France game.
8. Aaron Wainwright – 8
Looked comfortable at No8, mixing up some straight lines with clever footwork. Another early withdrawal, he seems likely to start against France, although more likely on the blindside.
Replacements
Elliot Dee – 6
Earned a penalty try not long after coming on.
Rhys Carré – 7
Played fast and loose with the offside line in defence but a lovely break towards the end showed why Gatland likes him. Will his carrying be enough?
Wyn Jones – 6
Played on the tighthead; not his usual spot. Didn’t let anyone down.
Jake Ball – 7
Steady showing again. Always works so hard and happy to do the dirty stuff.
Ross Moriarty – 7
Managed to get in a fight before he even got on the pitch. Showed intent once he got there but might have to settle for the bench next week.
James Davies – 6
Made a try-saving tackle and he’ll question the penalty he incurred.
Tomos Williams – 7
Sped things up a bit, which was needed. Deserved his try.
Gareth Davies – 7
Given a run-out on the wing because of Wales’ lack of fit backs. Didn’t look entirely comfortable there and his solo try at the end was classic scrumhalf opportunism.
