Second-half salvage job secures top spot in Pool

WALES led only 7-6 after a error-strewn first-half but went onto clinch the bonus point and ensure they topped Pool D with a perfect four wins from four.

Prop Nicky Smith grabbed the only try in the first 40 minutes. Josh Adams' scored his fifth try in Japan to extend the lead only for German Kessler to drive over. A penalty try settled nerves with replacements Tomos Williams and Gareth Davies crossing to seal the win.

Wales coach Warren Gatland said: “I'm happy with four from four, not too happy with some of tonight. We were poor at times, not clinical, with too many turnovers and blew about four or five chances but we showed a bit of character in the second half.

“We didn't respect the ball enough in the first half then, second half, we started being a bit more direct and earning the right to play and we were better.” Gatland made 13 changes to the side and while the Six Nations champions started with plenty of attacking intent, the execution did not match the ambition.

Aaron Wainwright spilled the ball over the tryline and Hallam Amos had three tries disallowed – two for forward passes and one for dropping the ball over the line.

Wales took the lead as Smith burrowed over from close range to score his first international try.

Uruguay, who had already ensured this was their best World Cup campaign thanks to their victory over Fiji, kept the heat on with two penalties from Felipe Berchesi and while Wales' found their rhythm to score a flurry of second-half scores, Kessler's try was just reward for a Uruguay side who have made huge strides during this World Cup.