Wales lose to Italy in successive Six Nations matches for first time as alarming hunch plunges to new depths; Ange Capuozzo try to 5 Tommaso Allan penalties earn Italy deserved victory, defeat may spell consecutive picket spoons for Wales and have ramifications for Warren Gatland
Final Up to date: 08/02/25 4:45pm
Wales slumped to a different disappointing loss
Wales fell to a record-extending 14th defeat in a row as Italy piled the strain on Warren Gatland with a 22-15 victory on the Stadio Olimpico.
It was billed the largest match in a era for Welsh rugby, however Gatland and his gamers did not rise the event in sodden situations per their hunch in the direction of successive Six Nations picket spoons.
A perfectly completed Ange Capuozzo first-half try to a flurry Tommaso Allan penalties did the injury as Italy established a 19-3 lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Aaron Wainwright’s late strive threatened to spark a Wales comeback, however hope was snuffed out by Allan’s fifth penalty, with Italy nonetheless capable of prevail as winners regardless of conceding a late penalty try to ending the match with 13 gamers.
The defeat – Wales’ first in Rome since 2007 – marks the bottom ebb of Gatland’s second stint in cost and will have large ramifications for his future as head coach.
Italy – Tries: Capuozzo (20). Conversions: Allan (21). Penalties: Allan (7, 29, 34, 61, 74).
Wales – Tries: Wainwright (69), Penalty (79). Penalties: Thoma (17).
Wales plight worsens in rainswept Rome
There was a double blow earlier than kick-off for Wales with the information that full-back Liam Williams and lock Dafydd Jenkins had been dominated out of the sport via damage and sickness.
- Wales have been dealt a last-minute damage blow as Liam Williams (knee) and Dafydd Jenkins (sickness) have been pressured to withdraw from the Take a look at squad hours earlier than kick-off in Rome. Blair Murray and Freddie Thomas have been introduced into the beginning XV, which featured Taulupe Faletau for the primary time in 16 months, and Eddie James, who made his first Take a look at begin.
- Niccolo Cannone changed Dino Lamb within the second row in the one change to Italy’s beginning XV following their defeat in Scotland of their opening Six Nations fixture.
Wales made a brilliant begin in dismal situations, with scrum-half Tomos Williams’ kick into area virtually being gathered by wing Josh Adams earlier than the ball slid into contact.
However Italy took the lead after seven minutes when Allan kicked an angled 35-metre penalty, which was adopted by an inevitable aerial battle as each side employed kicking methods, given the climate.
Tommaso Allan’s place kicking helped Italy right into a commanding half-time lead
Thomas hauled Wales stage via a penalty, but not earlier than the guests noticed centre Nick Tompkins depart for a head damage evaluation as Josh Hathaway took over from him.
Prop Gareth Thomas then required remedy after taking a blow to his knee, earlier than Wales’ defence was unlocked by fly-half Paolo Garbisi’s deft kick and Capuozzo completed brilliantly below strain from a chasing Welsh defence.
Ange Capuozzo scored the opening strive in Rome
Allan added the touchline conversion and Wales have been in hassle as Tompkins rejoined the motion, enjoying means too laterally, whereas Italy had spectacular management of their fundamentals.
Wales had a flood of issues on the again of a dominant second quarter by Italy and two Allan penalties throughout a four-minute spell opened up a wholesome lead for the Azzurri.
Wales desperately wanted one thing earlier than the interval, with Adams and hooker Evan Lloyd going shut however there was no means via and Italy took an emphatic 16-3 lead into the break.
Josh Adams knocks on
Gatland modified the complete front-row simply 5 minutes after the restart and Murray offered a glimmer of hope when he broke from deep inside his personal half to present Wales some much-needed territory.
Dan Edwards additionally changed fly-half Ben Thomas halfway via the third quarter as Gatland sought a spark of inspiration which may give his staff a possibility to show issues round.
Allan missed two penalties in fast succession, but Wales may discover no means into the competition, being pinned on the again foot as they virtually fell additional behind when Martin Web page-Relo’s long-range penalty hit the crossbar.
Adams then obtained a yellow card following a head-on-head collision with Garbisi and, though Wainwright breached Italy’s defence 11 minutes from time and a penalty strive adopted quickly afterwards, Wales couldn’t full a late turnaround regardless of a frenzied finale.
Biggar: Wales in need of perception and confidence
Former Wales worldwide Dan Biggar instructed ITV:
“If you look at the games they have lost in the last 12 months, today was the poorest performance in that run.
“It’s laborious to say as a result of there are numerous good folks there, however it’s simply not working. No matter is occurring Monday to Friday shouldn’t be being transferred to the pitch on a Saturday.
Wales have now suffered 14 Take a look at defeats in succession
“Wales have Ireland coming to Cardiff in two weeks, they travel to Scotland and welcome England.
“This staff appears to be like one that’s shot of perception and confidence. We hold getting requested the identical questions however what are the solutions. I’m not fairly certain. The curve has been downward.”
“I do not assume something is off the desk in the intervening time, it could actually’t be. It might’t keep it up.
“It is such a shame because there are so many good people there who have had success previously but clearly what is happening there in the week is not working.”
What’s subsequent?
The Six Nations pauses for a fallow week, after which Wales host Eire in Cardiff on February 22 (kick-off 2.15pm), with Italy welcoming France to Rome on February 23 (kick-off 3pm).
