LONDON – Warren Gatland’s Wales’ injury nightmare just won’t end as potential injuries to some key players overshadowed their big 54-9 World Cup win over Uruguay in Cardiff.
Uruguay were never expected to put up a lot of resistance against the Welsh, however it seemed more about whether the home team could register a big performance without suffering injuries to any of its key players.
Wales blew away Uruguay with some enterprising play both up front and out wide, however backs Liam Williams and Cory Allen and prop Samson Lee were all assisted from the field early in the second half. And considering the player stocks are so limited after so many injuries to key players, Gatland will hope that the players will have only suffered heavy knocks instead of serious injury.
Cory Allen was impressive at centre, scoring a hat trick before the half time whistle before coming off injured. Gareth Davies was also impressive at scrum half as he and pivot Rhys Priestland directed traffic well.
The South Americans started the match well knocking over two penalties before being outthought and outflanked by a Wales team seeking tries and a big points differential. With only four fully professional rugby players in the team, they defended as well as could be expected however were ultimately outclassed by a team keen to outline their credentials for a tilt at the World Cup.