Wales end 15-match Six Nations losing streak with decisive win over Italy

Wales end 15-match Six Nations losing streak with decisive win over Italy

Wales ended their Six Nations campaign on a high with a deserved 31-17 win over Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.

It was an important result for Wales, giving them their first win of this year's tournament and ending a 15-match losing run in the Six Nations dating back to 2023.

Dan Edwards was the standout performer, scoring 16 points through a try, four conversions and a drop goal. Aaron Wainwright also impressed with two tries, while Dewi Lake added another.

For Italy, Paolo Garbisi scored a try and a conversion, with Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Tommaso Allan also crossing the line.

Italy had an early chance to score in the 12th minute, but Garbisi missed a straightforward penalty. Wales made them pay three minutes later when Wainwright powered over under the posts after a pass from Tomos Williams.

Wainwright soon grabbed his second after a strong lineout drive deep in Italy's 22. The pressure continued, and in the 30th minute Lake went over from another driving maul to put Wales firmly in control.

The hosts went into halftime leading 21-0.

Wales kept the momentum after the break. Four minutes into the second half Edwards sliced through the defence for the bonus-point try, before adding a 40-metre penalty soon after.

Italy finally got on the board in the 52nd minute when Di Bartolomeo scored from a powerful lineout drive. Wales were also reduced to 14 men after Archie Griffin was penalised in the build-up.

The visitors grew into the game and Allan scored in the 69th minute. Monty Ioane thought he had another try soon after, but it was ruled out for a foot in touch following a cover tackle from Williams.

Italy finished strongly and managed a third try right at the end, but Wales had already done enough to secure a morale-boosting victory.

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