It was a success, in particular, for new cap wing Marcus Johnstone from Cwmcarn HS, who raced in for three of the four Wales tries – one from a 70-metre dash.
Wales had lost 6-3 in the Murrayfield rain on December 20, but this first-ever clash with Italy saw them lead 14-3 at the interval with two tries by Johnstone, whose brother won honours last season. The other try came from the outstanding lock forward Will Jones from St Teilo’s, Cardiff.
Italy scored two tries and two penalty goals, while Wales kicked three conversions from fly half Gareth Williams-Davies (Cowbridge Comp) (2) and centre Emyr Williams (Coleg Sir Gar).
