Williams’ score came after two second-half penalties from Rhys Priestland who had taken over kicking duties from the sidelined James Hook – the latter scoring six points himself before going off injured.

Samoa had looked strong going into the break after Paul Williams had scored a penalty before converting Anthony Perenise’s try.

Although not a pretty performance Gatland was happy with the way his team had fought back after their opening one-point loss to South Africa.

"I thought we showed some great character,” he said.

"We were under pressure at half-time but the boys dug deep. We've worked really hard the last few months and you've got to show people how much it means to us to get out of this and get a win on the board.

"I thought in the last 15-20 minutes Samoa's conditioning probably told and they looked to tire a bit and weren't quite as effective in the second part of the second half as they were in the first.

"I thought we defended exceptionally well for most of the game."

Meanwhile, Wales skipper Sam Warburton dedicated the victory to the four Welsh miners who died last week.

He said: "I would like to dedicate the win to the families of the miners back home. "Our thoughts are with them."