Wales edge out Italy in Rome
Wales survived a major scare against Italy in the sunshine at Stadio Flaminio as they secured a 24-16 win - their second successive away victory in the RBS 6 Nations.
As against Scotland at Murrayfield two weeks ago though, Wales only played in short bursts.
They posted first-half tries from wing Morgan Stoddart and flanker Sam Warburton, while recalled fly-half Stephen Jones kicked 11 points and centre James Hook landed a late drop-goal, but much of their performance was error-strewn and technically indisciplined.
Wales should have eased home after building a 21-11 interval lead, yet they lacked the tactical nous that would have enabled them to finish off a committed Italian outfit.
Centre Gonzalo Canale and skipper Sergio Parisse crossed for the home team, with Mirco Bergamasco slotting two penalties, but Italy missed four shots at goal, and a third defeat from three Six Nations starts this season suggests another wooden spoon beckons.
They responded well to a 59-13 drubbing against England last time out, testing Wales in the physical close-quarter combat and not being afraid to spin possession wide.
Wales ultimately had enough in the tank to prevent any repeat of Rome defeats in 2003 and 2007, but it was an encounter that will not live long in the memory.
And with Ireland and France looming on Wales' Six Nations agenda next month, they need a considerable improvement to challenge either of those teams.
