After watching his side make it seven successive World Cup pool wins, and extend their unbeaten record in France to three games to stay in charge at the top of Pool C, he had every reason to feel pleased.
The 40-6 hammering of the Wallabies was the biggest win over an Australian side since Wales first met them n 1908. The previous best winning margin was 25 in the 1975 win in Cardiff by 28-3.
The 40 points also exceeded the previous high of 34 notched in the 2022 defeat in the Welsh capital. It also equaled the highest winning margin over a Rugby Championship side, matching the 40-6 win over Argentina at Millennium Stadium in 2013.
“I was pretty happy with a lot of stuff. Defensively, our line speed wasn’t brilliant at the start, but we improved on that,” said Gatland.
“We were clinical, we controlled the game, and we didn’t really give them anything. This team gets better and better and, with some confidence and momentum, we’re in a pretty good place now.
“You can always get better, but I think we’ll enjoy tonight. We’ve got a break of about 13 days, so the boys have all got some time off to spend with their families, then we’ll regroup next week and start thinking about Georgia.”
Gatland also had some special praise for Gareth Anscombe, who came off the bench early doors to replace the injured Dan Biggar and ended up scooping the Mastercard Player of the Match award for contributing 23 points to the record breaking win.
Four years ago he wrecked his knee in the warm-up game for Japan against England at Twickenham and missed the tournament when he was at the peak of his powers. He spent almost two years battling back to full fitness, and into the Welsh camp once again, and couldn’t have done any more at a difficult time for his teammates in Lyon
“He was a bit rusty against Portugal but we’ve picked him for his experience and he controlled the game well. We’ve got two experienced 10s and a young, up-and-coming 10, so we’re in a pretty good place,” added Gatland.
“It was pleasing to see him goal-kick that well and I thought he made some really good decisions.”
