Dan Biggar produced a superb individual display as Wales claimed their seventh straight home win with a 74-24 victory against Tonga at Principality Stadium.
The fly-half scored 19 points, including a try, to move fifth in the all-time Wales list as Warren Gatland’s man built on last weekend’s key win against Australia.
Liam Williams (2), Steff Evans, Tomos Williams, Tyler Morgan, Cory Hill, Aled Davies and Rhys Patchell also crossed as Gatland’s men flexed their muscle ahead of the 2019 Six Nations campaign.
With The Championship now on the horizon, Gatland is keen to test his squad and estimate how much depth he has – so he made 14 changes for Tonga’s visit.
Keen to impress, the much-changed side started like a train and scored the first try within two minutes with a penalty try awarded following a fierce driving maul.
That breathed confidence through the side and minutes later they added a second in spectacular fashion, with Biggar and Aaron Wainwright combining.
The latter drew in two tackles, passed back to Biggar and he dived over from close range for a stunning try.
Tonga got a foothold in the contest through a Sonatane Takulua penalty but Wales’ backs were too good and they scored another super try in the 11th minute.
Wainwright was again at the heart of the move, with he and Tomos Williams helping to supply wing Liam Williams to dive over spectacularly in the corner.
However, the away side came roaring back with Leva Fifita and then Steve Mafi crossing before the break to reduce the gap to 24-17.
That shocked Wales and after the break Tonga took advantage, with Sione Vailanu intercepting a Tomos Williams pass and strolling over for the score.
Wales quickly re-grouped and Biggar lofted a beautiful kick into the arms of Steff Evans and he finished with ease.
That re-opened the floodgates, with Tomos Williams diving over from close range before Tyler Morgan and then Cory Hill powered over for further scores.
With replacements entering the game, Wales cut loose and scored two more stunning tries – Aled Davies side-stepping his way through for the first before Patchell dodged several tackles minutes later.
There was still time for one last score, with wing Liam Williams finishing neatly in the corner.
WHAT THEY SAID
Dan Biggar: “We’re reasonably happy with that performance. We started the game well and dug in and brought it back.
“We’re pleased, but I think defensively Shaun Edwards is going to be disappointed, but ultimately it’s a good result to score 74 points and win a game comfortably in the end.
“I think we just did the basics well. We scored some good tries, but essentially the basics of our game were very good today. You have to do that well against any team in international rugby.
“We’re fully aware that next week is going to present a very different challenge.
“It’s always great to pull this jersey on and play and I’m looking forward to the games and points to come.
KEY MOMENT
Wales dominated early on and led 24-3 but Tonga punched back with three converted tries to level the score.
The atmosphere in Cardiff turned a little nervy until the reliable Dan Biggar turned the game back in their favour.
His clever dummy and creative cross-field kick for Steff Evans to score turned the match back in Wales’ favour. From there, they did not let up.
PLAYER WATCH
With Gareth Anscombe now a real rival for the No.10 jersey, Dan Biggar knew he needed to produce a performance and he did that just that at Principality Stadium.
A try within four minutes and superb off the tee, the Northampton Saints fly-half reminded everyone of his talents and value to the team.
And in the second-half he was superb, with a dummy and chip setting up a key Steff Evans try.
STAT WATCH
