It is the first time for 11 years that Wales have won their first two games of the championship, following last week’s 11-9 win over England at Cardiff. They lost this fixture in Rome two years ago but the imporvements since that day were clear to see as they swept away a ragged Italian side who had looked impressive in defeat by Ireland last week.
Wales led 19-5 at the break after tries for flankers Jonathan Thomas and Martyn Williams and centre Tom Shanklin doused the Italians, who had only a chargedown try by Luciano Orquera to show for their efforts after Roland De Marigny missed three kicks at goal. The fullback finally landed a penalty to start the second half but Wales were soon in control when lock Brent Cockbain and winger Shane Williams added further tries before the hour mark. After a rash of replacements on both sides, Wales completed their emphatic victory when lock Robert Sidoli claimed their sixth try, with the downbeat Italians willing the final whistle to arrive.
“The forwards did very well against one of the best packs in the tournament,” man of the match Martyn Williams said. “The ground work was done by the front five. Last week was a big win for us but we still have a lot to improve on.”
Wales face Champions France in Paris in two weeks time but for now can enjoy an encouraging start to the championship.
Italy: 8 (5)
Try: Orquera
Pen: De Marigny
Wales: 38 (19)
Tries: Thomas J, Shanklin, Williams M, Cockbain, Williams S, Sidoli
Italy: R de Marigny; Mirco Bergamasco, W Pozzebon, A Masi, L Nitoglia; L Orquera, A Troncon; A Lo Cicero, F Ongaro, M Castrogiovanni, S Dellape, M Bortolami (capt), A Persico, Mauro Bergamasco, S Parisse
Replacements: G Intoppa, S Perugini, CA del Fava, D dal Maso, P Griffen, M Barbini, KP Robertson
Wales: G Thomas (capt); H Luscombe, T Shanklin, G Henson, S Williams; S Jones, D Peel; G Jenkins, M Davies, A Jones; B Cockbain, R Sidoli; J Thomas, M Williams, M Owen
Replacements: R McBryde, J Yapp, I Gough, R Sowden-Taylor, G Cooper, C Sweeney, K Morgan.
Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia)
