![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/JonathanDaviesWalesvGeorgia23092019RWC_large.jpg\")
Wales launched their World Cup campaign in bonus point fashion by seeing off Georgia 43-14 at City of Toyota Stadium.<\/p>\nWales launched their World Cup campaign in bonus point fashion by seeing off Georgia 43-14 at City of Toyota Stadium.<\/p>\n
The Six Nations champions delivered a strong statement of intent less than a week before tackling Pool D rivals Australia as they put Georgia to the sword during a dominant first-half display.<\/p>\n
Wales had a bonus point wrapped up by half-time after tries from center Jonathan Davies, flanker Justin Tipuric, wing Josh Adams and full-back Liam Williams, with fly-half Dan Biggar kicking three conversions and a penalty.<\/p>\n
And although the second period proved a much tighter affair \u2013 tries by hooker Shalva Mamukashvili and replacement prop Levan Chilachava accurately reflected a stirring Georgia recovery \u2013 Wales were never threatened.<\/p>\n
Fly-half Tedo Abzhandadze kicked two conversions, while Biggar added the extras to Wales\u2019 fifth try from substitute scrum-half Tomos Williams before wing George North claimed a fine solo try that Leigh Halfpenny converted.<\/p>\n
Wales went into the game in the wake of assistant coach Rob Howley being sent home from Japan last week for an alleged breach of World Rugby\u2019s betting regulations.<\/p>\n
Howley, 48, returned to Wales to assist with an investigation relating to a potential breach of World Rugby regulation six \u2013 specifically betting on rugby union.<\/p>\n
But Wales showed no sign of a hangover from those difficult few days, blasting from their starting blocks and producing some high-tempo rugby that bristled with attacking verve, pinpoint accuracy and tactical authority to finish Georgia by the break.<\/p>\n
Skipper Alun Wyn Jones equaled the Wales appearance record, matching prop Gethin Jenkins\u2019 mark of 129 Tests, while Dragons flanker Aaron Wainwright made a World Cup debut two days before his 22nd birthday.<\/p>\n
It took Wales just three minutes to open their account, with Gareth Davies breaking quickly from a scrum and sending Jonathan Davies through a huge midfield gap.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Davies finished with ease, and although Biggar somehow hit the post with his conversion attempt from straight in front of the posts, Wales were off and running, 5-0 ahead.<\/p>\n
Biggar then made amends for his earlier blunder, kicking a short-range penalty that put Wales eight points clear after seven minutes, before Tipuric added a second try following strong running by Gareth Davies and Adams.<\/p>\n
Wales were all over their opponents during the opening quarter, and it was no surprise when a second try arrived after 13 minutes.<\/p>\n
Biggar\u2019s slick pass put Adams into space and \u2013 despite a supporting Gareth Davies being tackled \u2013 Tipuric gathered recycled possession and touched down, with Biggar adding the extras.<\/p>\n
It was very comfortable for Wales, and Adams then finished brilliantly following a 40-meter run after Biggar\u2019s clever inside ball, and another successful conversion from the fly-half made it 22-0.<\/p>\n
Georgia\u2019s trademark scrummaging power surfaced when they finally moved close to Wales\u2019 22, but a lack of poise and precision with ball in hand denied them a chance to cut the deficit.<\/p>\n
Wales finished a one-sided first half back on the attack, and a bonus-point try arrived when more impressive work by Jonathan Davies resulted in an opportunity for full-back Liam Williams that he gratefully accepted.<\/p>\n
Biggar\u2019s successful conversion took it to 29-0, and Wales were out of sight with half the game remaining.<\/p>\n
Georgia began the second period in lively fashion, reverting to a strong driving lineout, and Mamukashvili scored a try from one such show of power, before his replacement Jaba Bregvadze was sin-binned shortly afterwards for illegally halting a Wales forward surge.<\/p>\n
Wales were given plenty to think about in the physical exchanges by Georgia, but a five-point maximum and no apparent injuries made it a case of job done.<\/p>\n