In the first round of games, despite a solid first half display which saw Wales just 13-6 behind, hosts South Africa Schools stormed to a 42-11 victory while Italy succumbed 29-14 to South Africa Schools A.
Wales put up a spirited first half display in their opening game with two penalties by fly half Billy McBryde keeping them within touching distance at the break.
SA Schools proved a different proposition in the second half and stretched their lead within seconds of the re-start with a try by impressive centre Stedman Gans. He added a second only three minutes later to put his side firmly in control.
A late try by Kieran Williams ensured Wales had the final say.
Highlights of the Wales v Italy will be screened on S4C tonight at 9.30pm.
Wales Under 18s v Italy U18s
15 Daniel Cross 14 Teri Morgan-Gee 13 Connor Edwards 12 Kieran Williams 11 Ianto Parry 10 Callum Hall 9 Efan Jones; 1 Rhys Fawcett 2 Gerwyn Coleman 3 Steff Thomas 4 Calum Haggett (Capt) 5 Bryce Morgan 6 Shane Lewis-Hughes 7 Shaun Evans 8 Morgan Sieniawski
16 Ellis Shipp 17 Keiron Assirati 18 Cory Domachowski 19 Leon Brown 20 Callum Bradbury 21 Matthew Aubrey 22 Billy McBryde 23 Josh Hodson
