Player ratings: Hard work

In this mostly second-string team, a number of Welsh players were fighting to put their hands up for selection in the quarter-final. Did any manage it?

We rate the Welsh players!

15. Leigh Halfpenny
Missed an easy kick by his standards. He showed more intent in attack but was reliable rather than showing his old spark. Remains a class act in defence.
7/10

14. Josh Adams
One of the few in this side to be a regular starter and it showed. Went looking for work in the first half and picked up a fifth try in four games during the second.
8/10

13. Owen Watkin
Made some crucial defensive contributions and showed up in attack but not challenging for a spot unless injury prevents Parkes or Jonathan Davies from playing.
6/10

12. Hadleigh Parkes
Two tries were ruled out because his final pass was forward. This game needed him to show some composure and he didn’t deliver. Could probably have done with a rest.
5/10

11. Hallam Amos
Denied a hat-trick of tries, twice because Parkes’ assisting pass was forward, once because of his own poor handling. Seemed before this match to be the most likely to fight his way into the 23 but probably didn’t do enough, although he worked hard.
6/10

10. Rhys Patchell
Didn’t have the composure in the first half that he showed in his previous outings but grew into the game more. Lovely long pass towards the end but Wales fans will hope Dan Biggar is fit.
6/10

9. Aled Davies
Looked too slow for the pace Wales were trying to play at. Steady but not thrilling.
5/10

1. Nicky Smith
Picked up a try but didn’t shine. May be under pressure for his spot, especially after he gave away a cheap turnover.
6/10

2. Ryan Elias
Carried well but unlikely to have done enough to dislodge Dee as the reserve hooker.
6/10

3. Dillon Lewis
As one of only two tightheads, he’s not under pressure for his spot but his performance didn’t inspire.
5/10

4. Bradley Davies
His one-handed break early on was a surprise even to him, it seemed. Carried hard and straight when Wales needed it.
7/10

5. Adam Beard
Not too shabby for a player who had his appendix out before arriving in Japan. His mauling defence might see him sneak ahead of Davies for a bench spot.
6/10

6. Aaron Shingler
Tried to get involved everywhere and had a try ruled out but didn’t do enough to challenge for a starting spot. A little too keen to offload.
6/10

7. Justin Tipuric (captain)
Couldn’t drag this second-string side together as captain. From a playing perspective, he was as involved as always. Withdrawn early, presumably with an eye on the France game.
7/10

8. Aaron Wainwright
Looked comfortable at No8, mixing up some straight lines with clever footwork. Another early withdrawal, he seems likely to start against France, although more likely on the blindside.
8/10

Replacements

Elliot Dee
Earned a penalty try not long after coming on.
6/10

Rhys Carré
Played fast and loose with the offside line in defence but a lovely break towards the end showed why Gatland likes him. Will his carrying be enough?
7/10

Wyn Jones
Played on the tighthead; not his usual spot. Didn’t let anyone down.
6/10

Jake Ball
Steady showing again. Always works so hard and happy to do the dirty stuff.
7/10

Ross Moriarty
Managed to get in a fight before he even got on the pitch. Showed intent once he got there but might have to settle for the bench next week.
7/10

James Davies
Made a try-saving tackle and he’ll question the penalty he incurred.
6/10

Tomos Williams
Sped things up a bit, which was needed. Deserved his try.
7/10

Gareth Davies
Given a run-out on the wing because of Wales’ lack of fit backs. Didn’t look entirely comfortable there and his solo try at the end was classic scrumhalf opportunism.
7/10