Wales v Georgia: Warren Gatland highlights hard work as key to World Cup quarter-final qualification

Head coach Warren Gatland says there is no secret to Wales' World Cup consistency as they build towards a fourth successive quarter-final appearance under him.

Wales need just a point from their final Pool C game against Georgia on Saturday to top their group.

A record 40-6 victory over Australia in the previous fixture secured a last-eight spot, with probably Argentina or Japan now awaiting them.

"It's just hard work," said Gatland.

Wales made two semi-final exits and had one quarter-final defeat during Gatland's first stint as Wales head coach.

Gatland's side have won their past seven World Cup pool matches and are on course to win their group, just as they did in Japan in 2019.

"We've all spoken in the past about the opportunities in World Cup years, with the extended preparation and time you get with the players, and the detail you can put into things," said Gatland.

"These guys have worked extremely hard in the (training) camps we've had, which has put us in good stead and good shape in terms of being able to take our game forward, being confident and comfortable playing for 80 minutes.

"We are excited about where we are, and we are looking forward to going deep into this tournament.

"The message has been about continuing to improve as a side, taking one game at a time.

"We know we are in the quarter-finals, but we want to finish top of the group and it is trying to win four from four."

Gatland has made six changes to the side to face Georgia and only Dan Biggar is missing through a pectoral injury, with the fly-half expected to be fit for the quarter-final.

"We've been excellent in the way we've managed the players," said Gatland.

"We've got a pretty much clean bill of health in terms of no injuries and we haven't lost any players.

"That's hugely important for a country like Wales. We've got such a small playing base that if we pick up too many injures that has happened to us in the past, we've got to a quarter-finals and semi-finals and that's had quite a significant impact on us.

"We are in a good spot at the moment."

Wales have had 13 days between their third and final group games but Gatland insists they have not lost focus.

"We had a few days off which was great with families and stuff," said Gatland

"We got back into it at the end of last week. There's been a bit of an edge about training. The boys have been really focused and I've been pleased with their approach to this game."