Winger Louis Rees-Zammit scored a crucial second-half hat-trick as Wales beat Georgia 43-19 to finish top of Pool C at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes.

Prop Tomas Francis and full-back Liam Williams crossed from close range in the opening 25 minutes, but captain Merab Sharikadze forced his way over to reduce Georgia’s deficit to 17-7 at half-time.

Rees-Zammit increased the lead when he raced home from the halfway line, but Georgia struck back through replacement prop Vano Karkadze and a fine effort from wing Davit Niniashvili to get within five points.

But Rees-Zammit settled Welsh nerves when he collected a chip from Williams to dive over in the corner, before completing his hat-trick when he was judged to have touched down after another chase. George North added Wales’ sixth on the stroke off full-time.