Wales player ratings vs Georgia as Warren Gatland’s men confirmed themselves as Pool C winners, setting up a quarter-final against Japan or Argentina.
Winger Louis Rees-Zammit scored a crucial second-half hat-trick as Wales beat Georgia 43-19 to finish top of Pool C at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.
Prop Tomas Francis and full-back Liam Williams crossed from close range in the opening 25 minutes, but captain Merab Sharikadze forced his way over to reduce Georgia’s deficit to 17-7 at half-time.
Rees-Zammit increased the lead when he raced home from the halfway line, but Georgia struck back through replacement prop Vano Karkadze and a fine effort from wing Davit Niniashvili to get within five points.
But Rees-Zammit settled Welsh nerves when he collected a chip from Williams to dive over in the corner, before completing his hat-trick when he was judged to have touched down after another chase. George North added Wales’ sixth on the stroke off full-time.
Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Georgia.
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THE SCORERS:
WALES: 43
- Tries: Tomas Francis (16′), Liam Williams (23′), Louis Rees-Zammit (43′, 67′,74′), George North (80′)
- Cons: Sam Costelow (17′, 24′, 44′, 69′,80′)
- Pens: Sam Costelow (27′)
GEORGIA: 19
- Tries: Merab Sharikadze (35′), Vano Karkadze (59′), Davit Niniashvili (62′)
- Cons: Luka Matkava (36′, 60′)
- Pens:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH:
GAMES STATS:
Most points: Louis Rees-Zammit – 15
Metres: Liam Williams – 114
Defenders beaten: Liam Williams – 3
Tackles: Tommy Reffell – 19
Tackles missed: Tomos Williams – 4
Turnovers won: Tommy Reffell – 3
Wales player ratings vs Georgia
1 Gareth Thomas – 6
2 Dewi Lake (c) – 6
3 Tomas Francis – 7
4 Will Rowlands – 7
5 Dafydd Jenkins – 7
6 Aaron Wainwright – 7
7 Tommy Reffell – 9
8 Taulupe Faletau – 6
9 Tomos Williams – 6
10 Sam Costelow – 7
11 Rio Dyer – 6
12 Nick Tompkins – 6
13 George North – 8
14 Louis Rees-Zammit – 9
15 Liam Williams – 8