Player Ratings: Complacency

OPINION: A ruthless first-half from Wales, who were up and running within minutes and had the bonus point before half-time. They lost intensity for the third quarter but rallied to score twice more before the end to secure a comfortable win.

There was plenty there to give the players confidence but enough to work on to prevent complacency setting in before the clash with Australia.

Rhiannon Garth Jones rated the Welsh players

15. Liam Williams – 8

Sparkled. One try on the board, another disallowed, and some lovely footwork as well as his usual assuredness under the high ball. World class.

14. George North – 7

Quiet in the first half although he went looking for work. Lovely grubber to set up Tomos Williams’ try in the second half followed by a trademark surge through the line for his own score.

13. Jonathan Davies – 7

Started powerfully, got himself on the scoresheet, and continued to impress. Made 53m, three clean breaks, and beat five defenders. Unselfish assist too. Missed a couple of tackles.

12. Hadleigh Parkes – 6

Not quite his best, with a few errant passes, but good support lines and carrying, as always. Will want to improve against Australia but, even when below par, is so important to the Welsh midfield.

11. Josh Adams – 9

Another excellent showing. If more casual fans weren’t aware of him, they may well be now. Made 113m and looked good both in the air and on the run. 

10. Dan Biggar – 7

Some lovely passes and a few nice kicks but his intercepted pass, with the try-line begging, was a bit too telegraphed. Was noticeably willing to run.

9. Gareth Davies – 6

A mixed bag. Glorious pass for the first try and sniped as threateningly as he always does but lucky not to be yellow-carded for a knock-on and then immediately repeated the error. Strong in defence.

1. Wyn Jones – 7

Was picked for his scrummaging ability and didn’t disappoint. Helped combat the supposedly fearsome Georgian scrum.

2. Ken Owens – 7

The sigh of relief from Wales fans when he got back up from injury showed how important he is to their hopes. Put in a typically strong all-round performance.

3. Tomas Francis – 7

Scrummaged well if not brilliantly and made his tackles. One of Wales’ most improved players over the past few years.

4. Jake Ball – 8

There were other contenders for Man of the Match but it would be slightly churlish to argue with Ball’s selection. Physical, relentless, and excellent over the ball. Likely to start against Australia, on the back of this.

5. Alun-Wyn Jones (capt) – 7

Gave away a few penalties in the second half but he was everywhere in the lineout and at the breakdown. Rallied his troops well after a poor third quarter to finish strong.

6. Aaron Wainwright – 8

Showed why he is being discussed as the starting blindside. Ferocious in all his interactions and came off better against the monstrous Mamuka Gorgodze. 

7. Justin Tipuric – 9

Superb. The focus recently has been on Wales’ other star players but Tipuric reminded everyone why he is so loved in Wales. Starred in attack, in defence, in the lineout, and at the breakdown. 

8. Josh Navidi – 8

Highest tackle count on the pitch, putting in 14 and stood out as Wales struggled in the third quarter. So good at No8, not his usual back-row spot, that he stayed there even when Ross Moriarty came on. 

Replacements 

Elliot Dee – 6

Won his first cap off the bench against Georgia and was comfortable, if unspectacular, again here.

Nicky Smith – 6

Didn’t make much impression but no howlers either.

Dillon Lewis – 6

Had time to make a couple of carries and tackles but not a big impact.

Aaron Shingler – 6

Came on in the second row, where he is competent but hasn’t played much. Two offloads showed his approach.

Ross Moriarty – 6

Made some significant carries but didn’t outshine Navidi or Wainwright. May have to settle for a bench spot in the next game.

Tomos Williams – 8

Electric. There are many in Wales who would like him to start and he showed why. Kicked when he could have passed to Josh Adams, who was free, but otherwise excellent. Deserved his try.

Rhys Patchell – 7

Only got 15 minutes but helped spark Wales’ improvement in that time. Wasn’t asked to kick.

Leigh Halfpenny – 6

Added some defensive stability and made his conversion. Nice to see him running with the ball again.

By Rhiannon Garth Jones, Rugbypass