WATCH: Wales claim top spot with 35-13 win over Uruguay in RWC 2019

Wales were seeking top spot in Pool D against last-placed Uruguay.

The Welsh came into the game placed second in the group behind Australia with a clash against England or France awaiting them next depending on where they finished. This happened to be just the second meeting between these two sides with Wales emerging victorious the first time around.

Additionally, Los Teros have lost all eight of their games against Tier 1 opposition leaving the odds stacked against them to win today despite their shock win over Fiji a few weeks ago.

Wales 35 -13 Uruguay: Watch highlights below

The game kicked off following a minute’s silence in honour of the victims of Typhoon Hagibis.

Wales began the game brightly pulling off some slick moves and finding space on the flank but handling errors proved costly, eight minutes in.

Two minutes later, Wales had a try reviewed after Aaron Shingler finished off a move after being fed by Aled Davies but the ref eventually disallowed the effort after Shingler was found to be out of play.

16 minutes in however, Nicky Smith smashed the Welsh deadlock after scrambling over from close range to score. Leigh Halfpenny added the two points as Wales were rewarded for their early pressure.

22 minutes in and Uruguay responded as they were awarded a penalty – Felipe Berchesi added the three points as the score read 7-3.

27 minutes into the half and Wales had a try chalked off after it was discovered that the ball had moved forwards during the move.

39 minutes in and Uruguay had another penalty and once again, Berchesi made no mistake to add three more points, cutting the Welsh lead to just a solitary point. 7-6 it stood as the halftime gong sounded.

The second half kicked off and Wales had it all to do to pull off a convincing victory.

49 minutes in and Josh Adams collected the ball out wide from the ruck to score. Halfpenny converted for a score of 14-6 as Wales pulled out a eight point lead.

5 – Only @ShaneWilliams11 (6 tries in 2007) has scored more tries for @WelshRugbyUnion at an edition of the @rugbyworldcup than Josh Adams (5) so far in 2019. Prolific.#RWC2019#WALvURU pic.twitter.com/upUa94ELy5

— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) October 13, 2019

Entering the final quarter of the game, the momentum was with Wales who were also bossing possession but Los Teros had largely kept them at bay.

65 minutes in though and Uruguay’s indiscipline came to fore – first, Santiago Civetta was sin-binned before, a minute later, the ref awarded Wales a penalty try after an infringement by the South Americans. 21-6 to Wales, it stood.

Despite the man disadvantage, Uruguay were the next to score after German Kessler crossed the line following a rolling maul. Berchesi grabbed the conversion as well.

The Welsh didn’t take it lying down though as just two minutes later, Tomos Williams poked through the defence to score with a diving finish. Halfpenny converted as the score read 28-13.

Finally, well past the 80th minute, Wales added the final touches on the bonus point victory with another try as Gareth Davies burst into space, shimmied past a defender before scoring between the posts. Halfpenny converted for a final score of 35-13.

And so it finished in Kumamoto, with Wales grabbing a professional yet unconvincing victory and earning top spot in Pool D.

Welsh coach, Warren Gatland spoke post-game:

“Happy with four from four but not too happy with some of tonight – poor at times and too many turnovers.”

“We blew four or five chances but showed a bit of character. They’re a tough outfit, tenacious and make tackles, they’re a tidy little side.

“Hopefully everyone will be fit and available for next week. France next week, old rivals, something to really look forward to.”