03/14/26 02:07:00
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03/14 14:05 CDT Wales end three-year Six Nations drought by blowing away Italy
in Cardiff
Wales end three-year Six Nations drought by blowing away Italy in Cardiff
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) --- Wales tasted Six Nations success for the first time in
1,099 days after blowing away Italy 31-17 in Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The growing confidence from recent narrow losses against Scotland and Ireland
spilled over into an unexpected and dominant bonus-point win, Wales' first in
the championship since March 2023 when it beat Italy in Rome.
Wales was physical, direct and ruthless, leading 21-0 by halftime then 31-0
before Italy scored.
The Welsh scramble defense was also impressive as Italy had two tries ruled
out, one held up, and another saved by an ankle tap.
While Wales ended the nightmare of a national record 15-match losing streak in
the Six Nations, it was expected to finish with a third consecutive wooden
spoon depending on fifth-placed England's result against France in the late
match in Paris.
Italy was seeking a third successive win in Cardiff and an historic third win
in a single championship after beating Scotland and England, but it was beaten
up at the breakdown, lost its composure, and missed 30 tackles.
Wales made the penalties count.
A kick-chase penalty earned by workaholic winger Ellis Mee was booted into the
corner and No. 8 Aaron Wainwright crashed over. Despite lineout issues, Wales
used the platform again to drive at the line for a second Wainwright try.
Another lineout drive finished with captain Dewi Lake touching down. With Dan
Edwards a perfect four-of-four off the tee and nine-for-nine in the tournament,
Wales was a deserved 21-0 up after 29 minutes.
They resumed from the second half kickoff. Edwards slanted through a tired
defense, converted his try and chipped a drop goal for a scarcely believable
31-0 lead.
Italy ruled the last 30 minutes. But Wales still made it tough for the visitor.
Replacements Tommaso Di Bartolomeo and Tommaso Allan dotted down for Italy but
Wales' defense shone.
Mee held up hooker Giacomo Nicotera and made a try-saving tackle on opposite
wing Monty Ioane, Edwards ankle-tapped Tommaso Menoncello when the midfielder
looked like he was away, Tomos Williams stopped Allan on the tryline, and James
Botham's sliding hip ruined a chance for Leonardo Marin.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
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