However at just 22-0 at half-time and with the bonus point still not secured Gatland admitted he needed to read the riot act at the interval.

His harsh words certainly did the job with Wales running in nine scores in the second half – the pick of which was returning prop Gethin Jenkins’ swashbuckling finish from 40 metres out to secure their biggest ever World Cup victory.

“We started with 22 points in the first 15 minutes then the guys let it slip in terms of clearing rucks,” said Gatland.  “I had to give them a rollicking at half-time and they came out in the second half and a lot of guys made an impact off the bench.”

Williams and George North stole the plaudits in the second half, the Scarlets centre bagging the two scores to complete his hat-trick and North, on as a 56^th minute replacement, showing his finishing power with two tries.

Jenkins’ score was particularly sweet, not only for the manner with which he galloped to the line but also in the context of his recent injury woe – it was the loosehead’s first start in nine months after toe and calf injuries.

Stephen Jones celebrated becoming the most-capped Welshmen of all time – moving to 101 – by kicking 15 points and skipper Sam Warburton singled out the Scarlets No. 10 for special praise.

“We got the bonus point which is what we wanted,” he said. “Stephen Jones has got the appearances record – he is a Welsh great and it was a pleasure to play with him today.”