The win is Wales’s third of the campaign, but France need to beat England today (SAT) to give the young Dragons any hope of defending their title against Les Bleus next week. Wales dominated the opening exchanges – especially up front – and were rewarded in the 10th minute when Shellard was driven over the try-line. Blues winger Chris Czekaj took advantage of Tom Riley’s clever pass to add a second, but the opening half was more about Wales ruining try-scoring opportunities, as opposed to completing them.
Shellard added a second to give the home side a match-winning 21-0 lead at halftime, but the loss of skipper Tom Smith with knee damage had Davey cursing ahead of next week’s Championship finale against France. Wales scrum-half Martin Roberts opened the second-half scoring with a snap dropped goal, before Italy finally troubled the scorers through a Paolo Busi penalty goal.
Italy skipper Nicola Cattina found himself in the sin-bin after Irish referee George Clancy became tired of the visitors’ professional fouls, and Wales lock Will Jones scored his side’s fourth try from the next movement. Roberts added a fifth from close range, but Wales should have hit at least 60 points in this match.
Wales:
Tries – R Shellard 2, C Czekaj, W Jones, M Roberts
DG – M Roberts
Cons – D Flanagan 4
Italy:
Pen – P Busi
Halftime: Wales 21-0
