Rugby World Cup: Wales fans and pundits revel in perfect pool stage

It is easy to forget at times like these just how miserable a year it was looking at one point for Welsh rugby.

With off-field issues plaguing the WRU, and the team arriving at the World Cup having won only two of their past 10 games, optimism was in short supply for many.

But after a perfect group stage, Warren Gatland's side have marched into the knockout stages.

So how did they make it through the group with a game to spare - and what were the standout moments for fans and pundits?

The opening match in Bordeaux provided Wales with familiar opponents, having faced Fiji in the past five World Cups.

The Pacific Islanders arrived at the tournament in form, with genuine belief among many that they would challenge at the top of the group.

But Wales built up a lead before standing up to the physical test and defending stoutly, epitomised by try scorer Josh Adams' monstrous hit on Selestino Ravutaumada.

Former Wales back James Hook, picked it out as his most memorable moment so far, saying: "The Fiji game and that Adams tackle - all 14 other Welsh players came in and congratulated him. It was brilliant."

However, Warren Gatland's side were made to sweat when two late Fijian tries closed the gap to 32-26, before centre Semi Radradra agonisingly dropped the ball with the try line at his mercy in the final play of the game.

"You could feel the tension in the stadium - the whole momentum had shifted and Fiji looked like scoring every time they got the ball," said former Wales fly-half Nicky Robinson.

"It was definitely the most tense moment - I was just so glad to see Radradra drop the ball."

With the crucial opening win in the bag, the squad travelled to Nice to face the group's lowest seeds - Portugal.

Despite many fans expecting a try-fest, the Portuguese showed their determination and frustrated Wales for large parts.

But former Wales winger Caryl James was particularly pleased with the impact of co-captain Dewi Lake.

"It was a really tight game, the tries just weren't coming, and then he took that quick tap and go and crossed the line - it was a big moment," she said.

Strangely enough, however, Nicky Robinson's favourite memory of the game was the Portugal try scored by Nicolas Martins from a line out.

"The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible - so many Portugal fans celebrating like they'd won the game," he remembers.

"Even though we conceded, it was nice to be there and see what it meant to their fans and players."

Wales still needed a bonus-point try, however, and the 28-8 win was only sealed when Taulupe Faletau crossed the line in the final seconds.

Having watched Fiji then beat Australia, Wales knew that a win against the Wallabies in Lyon would seal a place in the knockout stages.

But nothing could prepare fans and pundits alike for the historic, record-breaking night they were about to witness.

Wales were rampant throughout, with the final score of 40-6 marking their greatest ever margin of victory over their southern hemisphere opponents.

"Beating Australia at any sport has got to be a favourite moment," said Jeremy Rowlands, whose son Will Rowlands was part of the dominant Wales pack that night.

The contest was virtually over at the beginning of the second half, as centre Nick Tompkins touched down under the posts to extend Wales' already convincing lead.

"When [Gareth] Anscombe kicked the ball over for Nick Tompkins to score, we were right in front of the posts and could see it all," said Mabli from Tenby.

Alys from Cardiff was especially pleased for the fly half, who kicked 23 points having come on following an injury to Dan Biggar.

"That was my favourite moment - seeing Anscombe celebrating after that try," she said.

The final test came in Nantes, where Wales only needed a point against Georgia to finish top of the group.

Winger Louis Rees-Zammit's hat-trick helped them to a 43-19 victory, and a quarter final clash in Marseille on Saturday against Argentina.

With Wales likely to be the bookies' favourites many fans are already dreaming of a third World Cup semi final appearance in four tournaments under Warren Gatland.

But the Kiwi coach will know that passing the group stage with flying colours is one thing - from now on, knockout rugby means there is no margin for error.