Wales player ratings - versus Italy
It might not have been pretty and the expected bonus-point assault did not materialise in Rome, but ultimately Wales got the job done with a 26-15 victory over Italy in the Stadio Olimpico.
Wales were the better side for the majority of the contest but found it hard to break down a resolute Italian defence and only had four Dan Biggar penalties to show for their endeavours at half-time.
Warren Gatland’s side did breach the try line through Josh Adams and Owen Watkin in the second half and thought they had scored two more only for the TMO to intervene.
Gatland would have taken two wins from two had he been offered that ahead of the Championship but he will know there is work to be done as attention turns to the visit of England to the Principality Stadium in a fortnight.
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15 Liam Williams – 7
Excellent again on both sides of the ball. Rarely found wanting when forced to defend, and was able to ease pressure on Wales on several occasions thanks to his positioning and ability to recycle possession. Is Gatland’s most lethal attacking weapon in the opposition 22 as he displayed with a key role for Adams’ try.
14 Jonah Holmes – 6
A very solid Six Nations debut for the Leicester man. Carried to good effect either on his wing or when he came into midfield to make use of his power and pace. Did not do his Rugby World Cup hopes any harm in Rome.
13 Jonathan Davies – 5
Almost capped his big night with a try but saw his effort rather harshly chalked off for a knock-on. Could perhaps have been a little more bold as captain in the first 40 minutes and should have used Williams instead of looking for a Hollywood pass to Holmes with the try line begging. Was not his usual impenetrable self in defence as he missed two tackles.
12 Owen Watkin – 6
Got his reward for an evening of hard work as he raced onto Gareth Anscombe’s chip to score his side’s second try. Was a constant carrying threat in midfield and stood up to Italy’s physicality in defence.
11 Josh Adams – 7
His try was just reward for another impressive performance, one wayward first-half clearance aside. His ability under the high ball and willingness to look to counter when fielding kicks is becoming an invaluable tool for Wales.
Dan Biggar – 7
Kept the scoreboard ticking over in Wales’ favour in the first half and provided a lovely pass in the build-up for Adams’ try. Also showed the threat he offers on the kick chase as he rose above Edoardo Padovani to gather an Aled Davies up and under. Gave way to Gareth Anscombe as Wales looked for greater penetration.
9 Aled Davies – 6
A mixed night for the Ospreys man. Was a positive presence throughout his time on the pitch, looking to keep Wales moving forward, and it was ultimately his blindside break that led to Adams’ try. However, was often ponderous when deciding what to do at rucks and mauls.
1 Nicky Smith – 6
Another who will be pleased to have got some minutes under his belt following an injury lay-off. Gave away a couple of penalties and was unable to prevent Braam Steyn scoring at the end of the first half. But can be happy with his scrummaging and play in the loose.
2 Elliot Dee – 6
Won the battle of the hookers against Leonardo Ghiraldini at scrum time. He also won the first minute penalty that allowed Biggar to open the scoring. He was guilty of one wayward lineout at the end of the first half and also coughed possession on a driving maul. But will emerge from this game with credit.
3 Samson Lee – 6
Put in a good shift on his return to the starting line-up. Enjoyed a solid evening in the scrum and defence while showing his ability in the loose as well. One early carry allowed Wales to build possession in the Italian half.
4 Jake Ball – 5
Will be glad for the miles put on his clock in Rome. Made five tackles in defence and provided a carrying option in the first half. But will know he can play better.
5 Adam Beard – 5
Has become a fixture in the Welsh second-row as a result of his height and power but was unable to find the rhythm of the contest in Rome. Knocked on as Wales built possession inside the Italian half early on and also gave away the penalty that Tommaso Allan squandered on the stroke of half-time. To his credit it was Beard who mopped up possession after the Italy fly-half had struck the upright.
6 Aaron Wainwright – 6
Not the standout performance of his fledgling Wales career but was a willing runner in midfield and made a couple of useful breaks. He also stole a lineout. All in all a good day at the office.
7 Thomas Young – 8
Was denied a debut Six Nations try by a forward pass in midfield. It would have capped a fine display from the Wasps man who must have pushed Josh Navidi hard for man-of-the-match honours. Set the tone in the first minute as his tackle helped Dee secure a turnover and was a constant menace on each side of the ball.
8 Josh Navidi – 8
Was a deserved man of the match. Offered another excellent defensive display, helping to force turnovers and keep Wales on the front foot. Also provided the carrying threat of a much bigger man and won the battle of the number eights. Can be excused an errant pass into the body of Sergio Parisse.
Wyn Jones – 6
Came on in the final quarter and was part of the scrum that won a penalty against the head.
Ryan Elias – 6
Connected with his one lineout throw but otherwise not afforded enough time to make his mark.
Dillon Lewis – 6
Came on early in the second half and played a pivotal role as Wales secured a crucial scrum penalty.
Alun Wyn Jones – 6
Was summonsed at a pivotal time of the match and provided calm authority. Got through his fare share of work in defence too.
Ross Moriarty – 6
Thirteen more minutes in the tank on his return from concussion. Provided much needed energy on both sides of the ball.
Gareth Davies – 5
Replaced namesake Aled in the final quarter and his assuredness helped Wales over the line.
Gareth Anscombe – 6
Brought on to provide some urgency and impetus. Highlighted exactly what he brings to the side with a deft chip over the Italian defence that Watkin raced onto to score.
Hallam Amos – 5
Like Moriarty, Amos will be glad of the 13 minutes he got on the pitch as he continues his recovery from injury. Didn’t have much chance to shine.
Comments on RugbyPass
Results probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
1 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
1 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to commentsWe had during the week twilight footy, twilight cricket, tw golf plus there was the athletics club. Then the weekend was rugby 15s plus the net ball, really busy club scene back then but so much has changed and rugby has suffered. And it was all about changing lifestyles.
6 Go to commentsIn the 70s and 80s my club ran 5 Senior sides plus a Vets. Now it is 2 sides with an occasional 3rd team. Players have difficulty getting to training now, not sure why and the commitment is not there. It seems to me more a problem of people applying themselves and not expecting to turn up and play whenever they want to.
6 Go to commentsROG’s contract is until 2027. The conversation about a successor to Galthie after RWC 2027 may be starting now. We can infer that Galthie’s reign stops then. He is throwing the Irish Coaching Job angle in because he is Irish. The next Irish coach MUST be Leo Cullen. As well as being the best coach available, coaching the vast majority of Irish Internationals week in week out, he has shown incredible skill at recruiting the best coaching staff for the job in hand. That was a failing in France. Cullen is a shrewd guy and if there is a need for foreign coaches underneath him he won’t hesitate. Rightly so. Ireland does need to start to bring Irish coaches through. Not just at the professional level but we need to train coaches to man new pathways for developing kids from schools/clubs up through the divisions.
8 Go to commentsNo Islam says it must rule where it stands Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
18 Go to commentsThis team probably does not beat the ABs sadly Not sure if BPA will be available given his signing for Force but has to enter consideration. Very strong possibility of getting schooled by the AB props. Advantage AB. Rodda/Skelton would be a tasty locking combination - would love to see how they get on. Advantage Wallabies. Backrow a risk of getting out hustled and outmuscled by ABs. Will be interesting to see if the Blues feast on the Reds this weekend the way they did the Brumbies we are in big trouble at the breakdown. Great energy, running and defence but goalkicking/general kicking/passing quality in the halves bothers me enormously. SA may have won the World Cup for a lot of the tournament without a recognised goalkicker but Pollard in the final made a difference IMO. Injuries and retirements leave AB stocks a bit lighter but still stronger. 12 and 13 ABs shade it (Barret > Paisami, Ione = Ikitau, arguably) Interesting clash of styles on the wings - Corey Toole running around Caleb Clark and Caleb running over the top of Toole. Reece vs Koro probably the reverse. Pretty even IMO. 15s Kelleway = Love See advantage to ABs man for man, but we are not obviously getting slaughtered anywhere which makes a nice change. Think talent wise we are pretty even and if our cohesion and teamwork is better than the ABs then its just about doable.
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
6 Go to comments1.97m and 105Kg? Proportionately, probably skinnier than me at 1.82 and 82kilos. He won’t survive against the big guys at that weight.
56 Go to commentsThe value he brought to the crusaders as an assistant was equal to what he got out of being there. He reflected not only on the team culture but also the credit he attributed to the rugby community. Such experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
8 Go to commentsGood luck Aussie
11 Go to commentssmith at 9 / mounga 10 / laumape 12 / fainganuku 14
61 Go to commentsBar the injuries, it’s pretty much their top team …
2 Go to comments