Luke McLaughlin's match report from Cardiff
Italy finish fifth in the Six Nations and hand the wooden spoon to Wales. It is the first time Wales have finished last in 21 years. A rebuild continues. But the focus today should be on Italy who executed a good game plan and produced potentially the try of the tournament with Pani’s score. The report from this game will drop shortly and the live coverage of Ireland v Scotland has started so make sure you don’t miss any action there. Have a good rest of Super Saturday and thanks for joining me.
Italy still have things to work on in their game, particularly in those last five minutes where they conceded two tries. But what a remarkable difference from the teams of the past. They ended their losing streak at the Principality Stadium two years ago. They then put in good performances in the 2023 Six Nations but come away with no wins. Then 2024 they have two wins, a draw and two losses. Absolutely phenomenal improvement and long may it continue.
Wales have the wooden spoon for the first time in 21 years. Warren Gatland has some work to do with the team but if anyone is going to succeed it is him.
Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins said: “No disrespect to Italy we strive to win those games and beat those teams. You like to think in pressure scenarios we would rise to the occasion but I don’t think we did.”
Italy captain Michele Lamaro told the BBC: “It is everything for us. I want to say thank you to every single Italian that is here. We want to achieve even more. We know we have had a good tournament but we know we can do more than this. I think there are a few things we have changed. The mindset is obviously something we haven’t had before, we have confidence. In the last few years we have worked so hard. We have been though a lot of difficult moments.”
Player of the Match Juan Ignacio Brex told the BBC: “It means a lot, we are so happy we worked really hard for this. It is easy to play with him [Menoncello]. He is a young guy, he has a great future. I think after the World Cup we had a good meeting between the players and staff.”
The scoreboard does not reflect the match, Italy were dominant and thoroughly deserved the win. It was a well managed game until the last five minutes where they crumbled slightly. But wow, the first time they have ever been unbeaten in three matches. In that context was just a three-point loss to England. It could have been so much more.
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Full time! Wales 21-24 Italy
Italy have recorded their greatest Six Nations ever. Wales finish with no wins, no draw and five losses.
TRY! Wales 21-24 Italy (Grady, 82')
That was seriously impressive.
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CONVERSION! Wales 14-24 Italy (Lloyd, 80')
The kick is good.
80 min: The Principality Stadium erupts as North is off with injury. What a legacy. What a career.
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TRY! Wales 12-24 Italy (Rowlands, 79')
He gets it over, albeit a consolation.
79 min: Wales get another penalty advantage as they look to find another try. They keep hitting the line and they are just short.
78 min: Wales spill it over the line from Rowland, we come back to the earlier penalty advantage.
78 min: The lineout is good and they initially maul but then switch to through the hands.
77 min: Wales win a scrum penalty and the hosts kick to the corner, can they get another try before the end of the match?
76 min: Wales form a good attack, the have good runs and passes but Winnett tries to find Dyer but the pass is just over his head. The Player of the Match has been named as Juan Ignacio Brex.
75 min: In the past Italy’s wins have felt like last-minute heroics but this has been a masterclass. Really well thought out game plan, great execution and no panic after conceding. Thoroughly deserved and they have definitely silenced those calling for them to be relegated from the tournamemt.
PENALTY! Wales 7-24 Italy (Page-Relo, 74')
Italy switch to their scrum-half because of the distance on the kick and he gets it.
73 min: Garbisi won a penalty at the breakdown there, what a jackal on Dyer and the fly-half points to the sticks again. Great game management.
72 min: And just think if the penalty was scored at the end of the France game Italy would have three wins if this game is seen out. A huge tournament for the team. Wales have possession now and the ball is whipped to Dyer, Lynagh tries to intercept but it just slips away from him – that would’ve been a try.
PENALTY! Wales 7-21 Italy (Garbisi, 71')
He kicks it through! (Sorry for the delay, my feed just stopped working!)
70 min: Italy box kick and the ball is back with Wales. They put in a kick and they collect it but it’s pulled back as Hardy is offside. Wales their own worst enemies at the moment. Garbisi is pointing to the sticks here, it’s a long way out but worth a punt.
69 min: The Italian scrum is reset and then it is clean, Wales were searching for a penalty there but the visitors manage to get it away.
67 min: Wales kick upfield and they will look to score here again, if they get the next try who knows how this game will turn out. The lineout is good but it comes to Martin and he knocks on.
66 min: Wales could definitely pull it off but if Italy lose this game they will be gutted. Until the 63rd minute it had all been them but they are on the attack again. Wales win a breakdown penalty.
CONVERSION! Wales 7-18 (Costelow, 64')
It’s over.
TRY! Wales 5-18 Italy (Dee, 64')
After a painstakingly long review, the try is given. Is the comeback on? They have a much better chance of it now.
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64 min: The Welsh attack hit the Italian defensive line again and again, they look like they are over the line. Dee thinks he is over but they are looking at this. Is it over?
63 min: Williams is off for Hardy, he limps off after the tackle on him by the line. Wales are on the attack now though.
63 min: From the amazing tackle, made by Vintcent not Brex, Italy turn the ball over and clear. I cannot get over how amazing that tackle was. Williams was two metres from the line and he’s hauled down. A great rescue effort from the Italian pack too to turn it over.
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62 min: Brex puts in a try-saving tackle there on Williams, he looked sure to score!
62 min: Negri is off for Zuliani as play gets back underway. The scrum, with a Welsh put in, is good and the hosts look to attack.
61 min: TMO Joy Neville and referee Rainal are in agreement that they both think they were both going for the ball. A assistant referee has offered another opinion that it was foul play but Rainal looks again at the incident in real time and he decides it is just a rugby collision. Weirdly both are not having an HIA. That could come later.
61 min: Grady and Pani were both looking at the ball, a complete accident, but they smash heads. I don’t think Pani has been knocked out and he is alert with the medics. They are looking at this now on the TMO, I think there’s nothing in it.
61 min: Wales’ defence is much more aggressive in this half, that is an improvement from the first 40. Italy’s ruck speed is much slower but of course, Italy would be happy to run down the clock slightly. There’s a horrid collision in the middle of the pitch as Wales look to break. There’s a break in play, I think Pani was knocked out.
60 min: Italy’s lineout is slightly messy but they come away with it. They go through some phases and then Page-Relo puts in a box kick which Adams collects.
59 min: North is okay to continue. Italy make some changes with Lucchesi and Spagnolo coming on. Wales also make a change with Martin on for Mann.
58 min: The voices are quickly silenced though as Italy remain strong and win a breakdown penalty. North is getting some treatment now.
58 min: Adams makes a great break and Wales are into the 22. Here comes the loud support from the fans.
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57 min: The Welsh scrum is good from both teams and the hosts are off, they need to give this crowd something to cheer about. North looks slightly injured at the moment, hopefully he can stay on.
55 min: Costelow decides to put in a cross field kick with attack stalling but it meets Lynagh. Italy attack but eventually use a box kick, which Wales do shortly after – Garbisi then knocks on and so we have a scrum
53 min: The Welsh scrum is clean and the team are on the attack, they look the brightest they have all match. Winnett takes it into contact and Brex is over the top to win the turnover. The centre has to make the team of the tournament, he has been seriously impressive.
52 min: Beard is off for Rowlands as more of the benches are called upon.
52 min: Page-Relo, Zulocchi and Vintcent are all on for Italy. The visitors have possession but it is loose and Wales have the advantage, the hosts knock on but we come back for the penalty.
51 min: The chants of ‘Wales’ ring around the Principality as the team move towards the line but Grady spills. He then puts in a high tackle on Menoncello and so Italy have a penalty and clear. This is all going the way of Italy.
50 min: Wales win a penalty and Costelow kicks to the corner, he tries to get as much from it as possible but instead he doesn’t find touch. The third time the fly-half has done that this afternoon. Italy clear and so Wales are in possession.
49 min: Wales make their first change as Grady comes on for Tompkins, who has not had his best game today.
48 min: The try comes from that penalty from Beard, without that neck roll Wales could have scored. The hill has become a mountain to climb now.
CONVERSION! Wales 0-18 Italy (Garbisi, 47')
The strike is good!
47 min: Italy take the lineout from the penalty and they whip it through the hands so quickly. Pani is passed the ball, he beats one defender and fends Tompkins to the floor. Absolutely sensational.
TRY! Wales 0-16 Italt (Pani, 46')
OH MY WORD! What a try.
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46 min: The attack is really promising, they pass left and right and continue to advance but the TMO has a word with referee Rainal and he blows his whistle. It is a penalty for Italy after Beard puts in a neck roll clearance. More frustration for Wales.
45 min: The lineout is good and Wales are on the attack, there is a feeling they need to be the next to score whether that be a penalty or a try. Winnett whips it to Dyer who makes another great break, the winger is a shining light for the hosts. They are going through the phases now.
43 min: Possession exchanges hands frequently, lots of caterpillar rucks and box kicks. Italy now with the ball and running it through the hands, but not for long as another box kick is put in. It comes to Dyer, he looks to kick and it is charged down into touch.
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42 min: Nicotera has passed him HIA and so he is back on for Italy, no other changes. Wales are on the front foot in the early stages of this half.
Back underway! Wales 0-11 Italy
So can Italy record another famous victory or will Wales make a great comeback. This is the first time Italy have nilled a team at half-time, according to Opta. Huge for the team.
Another good read before the later games today:
Wales and Italy are playing to avoid the wooden spoon today but the top of the table also has not been decided yet. Take a look at this piece which explains how bonus points could see Ireland win the title with less wins than England:
I can’t remember a more dire Wales performance than that one. Even against Scotland in the first half they weren’t as sloppy as this. But as we saw against Scotland Wales are capable of producing a great second 40 so all is not lost yet.
Half-time! Wales 0-11 Italy
We may be in Cardiff but this game has been dominated by Italy. Garbisi’s boot has provided two penalties and Ioane’s try extended the visitors’ lead. Italy are heading for some history with three games unbeaten in a Six Nations campaign. Wales are also going into the record books if things stay as they are, the first wooden spoon for 21 years.
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39 min: Negri is okay to continue and we restart with an Italian scrum.
39 min: The stadium is electric as Wales go through the phases but Tompkins knocks on again and the attack fizzles just as fast as it was sparked. Negri is receiving some attention so slight break in play.
39 min: Costelow kicks to the corner, interesting he didn’t try to take the three points.
38 min: Varney’s kick is charged down but Italy recover it and kick away. It comes to Dyer who makes a really good break, he hasn’t seen much of the ball so far. The play is still sloppy as Jenkins drops it but it’s backwards and Wales continue. They win a breakdown penalty.
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37 min: The Italian lineout is clean once more and they put in a clearance kick, Adams takes it well but it absolutely whacked by Ioane – the wing having a fabulous game. Wales continue to attack and Wainwright attempts a grubber but it’s out of play.
35 min: Lynagh attempts to keep Costelow’s kick in but he’s not successful. There’s a messy lineout but Wales form an attack. North opts to kick through and it’s out for some territory. It is hard to find positives in Wales’ game so far.
34 min: Wales put in a clearance kick, a first lineout for Lucchesi and it’s clean. The visitors are running through the phases and Cannone looks to offload but Wales come away with it. They win a penalty for a high tackle but my word Wales have no clear plan, walking around gormlessly.
32 min: The scrum is clean and Italy come away with it. Wales defence holds strong at the moment and they force Italy backwards. It inspires Garbisi to kick to Pani but it just evades his fingers, the right choice but it doesn’t come off.
30 min: Nicotera is off for a HIA, Lucchesi is on in his place. Is this the worst Wales performance so far in this tournament? I think so.
30 min: Wales are exiting out of their 22 and make small advances before Williams box kicks clear. Garbisi collects and Italy are on the attack but it is kicked away and Williams calls the mark. It starts a kicking battle and Winnett and Costelow have a miscommunication and they knock on. Italy scrum to come in the 22.
28 min: The Principality erupts as North makes a break but Lamaro tackles him and wins the turnover. The Italian captain is having a great game. Garbisi clears.
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27 min: The Italian lineout is loose but they manage to clean up the scraps. They weave left and right trying to find a way to the line, they kick it to Lynagh but it’s loose again. Menoncello is then stripped and Wales are off.
26 min: We restart with an Italian scrum and they win another penalty, they shout and pat each other on the back with that. Garbisi kicks to the corner and he makes great ground.
24 min: Everyone is okay to continue here, I think it was Dee who needed some treatment. Steve Pospisil emailed and said: “I‘m in a very nice bar in Lyon, having scoffed a nice lunch and nursing a dodgy back in anticipation of Le Crunch this evening. It’s tough, but someone has to do it.”
This sounds incredible, I hope your back gets better though.
24 min: Wales come away with the ball from the scrum, they run the ball through the hands and it looks like they are going to break but Ioane runs full pelt into Winnett and it dislodges the ball. Ioane has a beaming smile and claps after that, he loved that tackle. Slight break in play while a player receives some attention.
23 min: Nothing comes of Negri’s actions. Wales do win a free kick, they opt for a scrum, after Italy refuse to move back in the line out. Bizarre few minutes if I‘m honest.
22 min: It looked like Negri was shouting at Mann on the floor there, I think the TMO will check that in the background.
MISSED CONVERSION! Wales 0-11 Italy (Garbisi, 20')
It’s an awful kick but it’s still all Italy so far.
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TRY! Wales 0-11 Italy (Ioane, 20')
Wow, they run it through the phases and get it to Ioane. He is always going to score from there.
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19 min: Italy come alive! They have it through the hands quickly, Menoncello with a lovely line break. They have advantage for a breakdown penalty.
18 min: Wales’ lineout is good and they decide to go with the maul this time. Williams whips it out from the back of the maul but Tompkins knocks on – another Italian scrum to come. It comes in, the referee says ‘stay square’, he doesn’t and Italy win a scrum penalty. They kick upfield, it’s not in penalty kickable range.
17 min: Wales win a turnover this time and they kick upfield. Costelow though can’t find touch and Italy are able to clear. Such a scrappy game so far, particularly from Wales.
15 min: Wales win a turnover from the restart and this time the hosts point to the sticks, this could be all penalties today. However, the referee has just got word from the TMO that an Italian player was obstructed by Dyer and so it is reversed.
PENALTY! Wales 0-6 Italy (Garbisi, 14')
It’s a great strike.
13 min: John Barclay in the commentary box is coming in with comical comments, every time Wales’ attack falters he says things like ‘going backwards’, ‘slow ball’. It’s making me chuckle. Barclay isn’t wrong again though as Lamaro wins another turnover – Garbisi points to the sticks again.
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12 min: It’s a clean Italian line-out but they kick it away, they win a lot of territory but Wales attack. It’s then kicked to Pani, who decides to run, he makes a good initial break but he is then tackled into touch.
10 min: Wales go through two phases and Italy turn it over. They whip it to the wing and Ioane kicks, it’s charged down into touch. A really poor attacking play from Wales.
10 min: Italy kick it away this time and Wales decide to run it, they win a breakdown penalty with Costelow kicking to the corner. It reaches the 22, a Wlesh line-out is clean and they opt to run it through the hands.
8 min: Italy’s defence is holding strong and it inspires Wales to kick over the top. Dyer runs for it but Italy recover the ball, slight desperation from the Wales attack. They had gone through three or four phases before they chose to kick it away.
PENALTY! Wales 0-3 Italy (Garbisi, 6')
The ball stays on the tee, thankfully, and Garbisi strikes it sweetly.
6 min: Wales launch an attack but slow ruck speed eventually leads to a knock on and we have our first scrum of the game. It’s a clean scrum from both sides and Italy whip it fast to Lynagh on the wing. However, Wales turn the ball over at the breakdown – a great defensive effort. But a few phases later Italy win a penalty, surely they will kick from here? Yes they point to the sticks.
4 min: It ends with Ioane deciding to run it, a great break for the wing. He passes to Garbisi but as he looks to put in a grubber kick he is tackled and the chance is gone. Italy arguably starting the better so far, Wales’ ruck speed is so slow.
2 min: Winnett catches the box kick from Varney and Wales start the first attack. They opt for a kick and a series of kicks begins.
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Kick-off! Wales 0-0 Italy
So will Wales finish bottom of the Six Nations table for the first time in 21 years? Can Italy produce another heroic performance? All to come. Another thing to note, the roof is closed at the Principality and so the atmosphere is even more electric.
George North is struggling to sing the anthem through tears, an emotional one for the centre.
Peter Gibbs has emailed and said: “Hunkered down on a west coast beach on the Isle of Arran in my campervan for the day. It’s raining and blowy and I don’t care...Sarah, while I’m at it, can I just remind all that last night’s U20 rugby finale had everything.”
It really did Peter. The reaction from the England bench highlighted they got the job done the hard way. I hope the rain doesn’t dampen your day too much.
The anthems are next and then we get underway.
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North leads out the Wales team on his last cap, the Principality rightly erupts. One of the best to ever do it, not only for Wales but ever. He has his solo moment and appluads the fans. A firework display for one of the most exciting Wales players of all time.
George North bows out after 121 caps today, have a read of his retirement piece here:
“I wish I was snacking on some McVities Blissfuls, but alas I am at Raleigh/Durham airport in North Carolina waiting for a work flight to Washington D.C., so instead I am nibbling on Hazelnut Cocoa Creme Filled Shortbread Cooke Cups from Lidl and rooting for Italy” Gregory Phillips says. “It was agonizing to see them miss out against France. But given this is in Cardiff and Wales know they’re up against live opponents, I think Italy will fall short, but heroically so.”
Your snack still sounds amazing and delicious. I hope it is just as nice as it sounds. Yes that draw for Italy was frustrating against France. I too think it will be a close game today, if Wales finish bottom (which they could do even with a win) it will be the first time they have done that in 21 years.
Here’s a reminder too to change your fantasy team if you haven’t yet. You have until kick-off to change out players who have been benched or dropped.
The last time the two teams played at the Principality Stadium Italy were the team celebrating. Ange Capuozzo set up the last try perfectly to give the visitors a 22-21 win. Can Italy replicate their heroics? We will soon find out.
I’d love to hear from you! Where are you watching the game? What snacks have you got on the go? And any of your score predictions. I have a feeling Italy could take this one.
New Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has had an immediate impact on the team, generating results already after being appointed in November. He was asked about his side’s match up against Wales in the build-up.
“A very difficult match awaits us,” he said. “The pressure will be on both teams. Wales are hungry for points, and they will say goodbye to one of their greatest players of recent years – George North.
In all, or almost all, of their (Six Nations) matches they had the opportunity to play on equal terms with their opponents for certain moments.
“In the second half against Scotland and in the first hour of the battles against England and France, so the defeats that have come are not really that bad.”
Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright, who has played really well this tournament, was put up to speak before they play Italy. He spoke passionately about the need for Wales to get a win in the tournament.
“It would be embarrassing,” Wainwright said of getting the wooden spoon. “We can’t afford to go out tomorrow and lose. We need to win. I don’t think anything else is acceptable.
“Massive respect to the Italians for what they’ve done so far in the tournament, but we are definitely going out there and getting a win to end the campaign on a high.”
Wales have made the most changes of any nation for the last round with Warren Gatland making five to his starting XV.
There is a new centre partnership with Nick Tompkins and George North back in the team. The game will be North’s last for Wales as he has announced his international retirement.
There is almost a new front row with Elliot Dee and Dillon Lewis coming in. Dafydd Jenkins moves back to the second row to make way for Alex Mann.
Wales: Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins (captain), Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Dillon Harri O’Connor, Will Rowlands, Mackenzie Martin, Kieran Hardy, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady
Italy, meanwhile, have made three changes to their starting team.
Full back Ange Capuozzo broke his finger against Scotland and so Lorenzo Pani comes in for him. Stephen Varney starts ahead of Martin Page-Relo at nine.
In the forwards, Lorenzo Cannone starts at number eight ahead of Ross Vintcent.
Italy: Lorenzo Pani; Louis Lynagh, Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello, Montanna Ioane, Paolo Garbisi, Stephen Varney; Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Mirco Spagnolo, Giosue Zilocchi, Andrea Zambonin, Ross Vintcent, Manuel Zuliani, Martin Page-Relo, Leonardo Marin.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the start of the Six Nations’ Super Saturday. It all kicks off in Cardiff as Wales take on Italy to see who will be left with the wooden spoon.
Wales are currently sat on the bottom of the table after losing every match so far. They have picked up three bonus points which puts them in contention for moving to fifth to overtake opponents Italy. It is something important to the team with Aaron wainwright saying it would be ‘embarrassing’ to finish the Six Nations without a win.
Italy have had a successful Six Nations despite being in fifth. They almost beat England in round one, were defeated by defending champions Ireland in round two, held France to a draw and then beat an in-form Scotland team last time out. If they draw or beat Wales today it will be the first time they go unbeaten in three games in the championship.
The team news has already been announced and so stay tuned for all the updates around that. Kick off coming at 2.15pm GMT.
