FT: Wales 54 Uruguay 9
Wales began their World Cup campaign with a 54-9 win over Uruguay in Cardiff – but the bonus-point victory came at a serious cost ahead of their Group A showdown with England at Twickenham next weekend.
Having lost key men Leigh Halfpenny and Rhys Webb to serious injuries before the start of the tournament, as well as wing Eli Walker, Wales suffered more problems on that particular front.
Full-back Liam Williams (dead leg) and prop Paul James (ankle) both limped off before the break while centre Cory Allen – who scored three of Wales’ eight tries – had to be worryingly helped off by medical staff with a leg injury.
An infringement denied replacement Lloyd Williams a try following a length-of-the-field move and Uruguay were in no mood to see a half-century of points racked up against them.
When Wales threatened again in the Uruguayan 22 the visitors’ prop Alejo Corral stole the ball and gained breathing space down the touchline.
But the Uruguayan forwards were tiring and the Wales pack were not to be denied again with Tipuric touching down under a pile of bodies and Priestland adding the extras.
Wales were determined not to take their foot off the pedal with points difference possibly counting in the so-called ’Pool of Death’, which also features Australia, England and Fiji.
They got their reward in the final minute when Wales’ forward dominance again told close to the Uruguayan line.
Uruguay went back at a rate of knots and Davies dived off for Wales’ eighth try, and his second, with Priestland adding his seventh conversion.