Wales ended a three-year Six Nations losing streak with a 31-17 victory over Italy in Cardiff.
Two tries from Aaron Wainwright and another from skipper Dewi Lake gave Wales a 21-0 interval lead which was quickly built on. Dan Edwards darted over and the Ospreys outside-half added a superb long-range drop goal to four conversions for a personal haul of 16 points.
Italy appeared dead and buried at 31-0 down, but they refused to go out with a whimper and Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, Tommaso Allan and Paolo Garbisi scored tries to add a shade more respectability, although they could not back up a first-ever victory over England seven days earlier, as hopes of winning three games in a Six Nations campaign for the first time were snuffed out.
Wales had not tasted Six Nations victory since March 11, 2023 – 15 games and 1,099 days ago – when they beat Italy in Rome but there were clear signs of green shoots in defeats to Scotland and Ireland. And this time, Steve Tandy’s side produced the performance nearly 70,000 fans inside Principality Stadium had craved to register a first Six Nations home win since February 2022.
Relive all the action from the Principality Stadium:
Wales vs Italy live
- Wales beat Italy 31-17 in Cardiff for a first Six Nations win since 2023
- Azzurri beat England for first time last weekend but were outclassed at the Principality Stadium
- 43' - TRY! Edwards sprints over to seal bonus point (WAL 28-0 ITA)
- 29' - TRY! Lake guides a driving maul over the line (WAL 21-0 ITA)
- 25' - TRY! Wainwright burrows over from close range for his second try (WAL 14-0 ITA)
- 15' - TRY! Wainwright powers over on a crash ball to put Wales ahead at raucous Principality (WAL 7-0 ITA)
Wales end three-year wait for Six Nations win with inspired performance against Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 19:12 , Luke BakerWhat a day for Welsh rugby - long overdue and long desired.
Read the full report from their first Six Nations wins in three years:
Wales end three-year wait for Six Nations win with inspired performance against Italy
Wales head coach Steve Tandy has told BBC Sport:
Saturday 14 March 2026 19:18 , Ciara Fearn"I'm massively proud of the players and the supporters who have stuck with the team.
"That performance has been coming. We've focused on not getting ahead of ourselves and making sure each part of our game improves.
"But the intent was there from the start from this young group.
"They're a great group to work with. They're young, desperate to learn and get better whether they win or lose. Their effort is amazing."
Wales captain Dewi Lake
Saturday 14 March 2026 19:07 , Ciara Fearn"The win means everything to the players. It's what we've been building to and working for.
"The last few weeks our performances have built and we've grown as a group from Scotland, to Ireland and now to this week when we gave our best performance. We've always got belief in ourselves and in what we can do on the field.
"The important thing today was to back up the first half into the second, which we didn't do against Scotland. Today we stayed in the game, stayed in the moment and fought for everything and the result went our way"
He added: "There's a lot of noise and stuff going on behind scenes in Welsh rugby but once we're in camp, all your focus goes on playing for Wales and that's easy to do.
"Everything you do is for days like today and moments like this in the jersey in front of all these fans who have supported us through tough times."
Louis Rees-Zammit speaking on BBC One: 'We've got an amazing culture now'
Saturday 14 March 2026 19:05 , Ciara Fearn"It's unbelievable to play with this team, you felt the crowd against Scotland. To do it today, was so special. We've trusted each other, trusted the system and trusted the coaches.
"When a new coaching system comes in, it's difficult to get onboard over night, it takes time but credit to the players. We've brought into every training session, every game, the Scotland and Ireland games, and now today.
"We've got an amazing culture now and everyone is full of confidence.
"We were quite confident going into the England game. But when you have two yellow cards in the first 20 minutes it's pretty hard to come back from. It was difficult to show what we wanted to show, same with the French game.
"That's when we sorted our defence game and came together. I thought the first 20 minutes against Scotland was when it clicked. We've got an exciting back line as well as the forwards have been incredible the past three games.
"There's so much positivity in this camp and there's more to come."
Man of the Match, Aaron Wainwright: 'We are growing and moving in the right direction'
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:59 , Ciara Fearn“It has been incredible, the past two games we have played really well but had not got over the line. The way we started today and hung in there shows how far we have come as a group.
“When you look at our opening halves we put a lot of pressure and reflected on the score board. Bit disappointed with how it ended, but how the stadium was today made it very special. There are a lot of young guys in the squad and this will be special for them.
“Discipline has been our downfall, looking back at the England and France game it cost us. We will celebrate as a team tonight, not ideal to finish bottom of the table. But everyone can see we are growing and moving in the right direction.”
Italy captain Michele Lamaro: 'They played an amazing game'
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:56 , Ciara Fearn“Credit to Wales. They played an amazing game in front of their crowd. We know how much this stadium means to them. We knew we had a good opportunity and that if we played our game, very physical, very precise, that we could create an impression.
“We did it in stages but we were too inconsistent, gave away too many penalties, allowed them in our 22, and you lose a lot of energy doing that. We tried to control at the end but it was too late.”
Wales 31-17 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:38 , Ciara Fearn
Full-time! Wales 31-17 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:38 , Ciara FearnWales finally end their long wait for a Six Nations victory closing out the campaign with a 31-17 win over Italy.
For the first time in years Cardiff fans leave the stadium smiling. The 15-game, three-year losing streak in the Six Nations is over.
They claim a well-deserved victory marking the second win of the Steve Tandy era.
TRY! Wales 31-17 (Garbisi)
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:36 , Ciara Fearn80 mins: With time running out, Italy mount an attack down the right from a scrum, and fly-half Paolo Garbisi crosses the line following Lorenzo Cannone’s offload.
Wales 31-12 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:35 , Ciara Fearn78 mins: Aaron Wainwright, who scored two tries is named man of the match following a dominant display of powerful carries and solid defence.
Wales 31-12 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:33 , Ciara Fearn77 mins: There are a couple of late substitutions: Kieran Hardy comes on for Tomos Williams at scrum-half, and Blair Murray replaces the standout Ellis Mee.
No try! Wales 31-12 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:33 , Ciara Fearn76 mins: Italy drive a strong scrum with David Odiase making a powerful carry. The ball moves out to the backs and replacement Leonardo Marin dives over.
Marin attempted to ground the ball just short of the line but knocks on. No try and Wales survive a second scare.
No try! Wales 31-12 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:25 , Ciara Fearn72 mins: Italy thought they had their third try, but Ioane went into touch just before grounding the ball in the corner.
Mee’s covering tackle was excellent, though Ioane probably should have scored. Had he done so, the final eight minutes could have been tense for Wales.
TRY! Wales 31-12 Italy (Allan)
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:18 , Ciara Fearn68 mins: Tommaso Allan comes close after collecting Menoncello’s inside pass but is stopped just short.
Italy press on with a penalty advantage and eventually cross for their second try.
Wales 31-7 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:15 , Ciara Fearn67 mins: Italy come close from a scrum as Tommaso Menoncello bursts free, but Josh Adams’ tap tackle stops him in his tracks.
Wales regroup, forcing the Azzurri into touch inside the 22.
Wales 31-7 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:11 , Ciara Fearn64 mins: Wales lock Ben Carter finishes another strong spell as Adam Beard comes on for the final minutes.
Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans and Blair Murray remain unused on the bench.
Wales 31-7 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:08 , Ciara Fearn61 mins: Nicotera returns to hooker for Italy after Di Bartolomeo goes off for an HIA. He comes close to scoring but is held up just short of the line.
Wales 31-7 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 18:03 , Ciara Fearn57 mins: Even with a player in the sin-bin, Wales are holding onto possession with Adams powering through a tackle to reach the Italian 22.
A few phases later Wales get caught at the breakdown giving Italy a penalty.
TRY! Wales 31- 7 (Di Bartolomeo)
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:58 , Ciara Fearn51 mins: Italy opt to kick a penalty to the corner and drive over with hooker Tommaso Di Bartolomeo touching down for the try.
Wales’ replacement tighthead Archie Griffin receives a yellow card, meaning any upcoming scrums would leave Wales down to 13 players if uncontested.
Garbisi adds the conversion.
Drop-goal: Wales 31-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:53 , Ciara Fearn48 mins: Italy clear the ball, but Dan Edwards collects it, composes himself and slots a 40m drop goal.
Wales 28-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:52 , Ciara Fearn47 mins: Wales are defending brilliantly and Tandy will be keen for them to stay resolute.
After a strong set, they force a turnover and flanker Mann kicks, but the ball goes over the line, resulting in a goalline drop-out for Italy.
Wales 28-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:49 , Ciara Fearn45 mins: Dewi Lake comes off with Ryan Elias taking his place.
The Ospreys hooker put in a huge effort, powering through multiple carries in the lead-up to that try.
TRY! Wales (Edwards) 28-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:48 , Ciara Fearn43 mins: Wales are immediately back on the attack with Mee continuing his impressive work with some quick footwork.
Josh Adams joins the action as Wales apply pressure just outside the 22.
Strong carries from the forwards with Dewi Lake heavily involved, push them to within 10 metres of the line.
With support out wide, Edwards sprints over to score.
Kick-off! Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:44 , Ciara Fearn41 mins: The teams have returned to the field and Dan Edwards restarts the action.
Half-time! Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:30 , Ciara FearnThat’s the end of a brilliant first half for Wales, who are well-placed to finally end their 15-game Six Nations losing run.
Two tries from Aaron Wainwright and one from captain Dewi Lake have given Steve Tandy’s side firm control of the game.
Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:27 , Ciara Fearn40 mins: Wainwright and Botham make powerful carries inside the 22, driving Wales to within five metres, but Italy hold firm with a choke tackle.
The half ends with a scrum - Italy will likely opt not to play out from this position.
Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:26 , Ciara Fearn38 mins: Another key moment for Wales as Rhys Carre secures the ball while Lorenzo Pani attempted to break from his own half.
There’s a slight touch to the ground, but the prop escapes any sanction and Wales head into the break looking to chase their bonus point.
Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:25 , Ciara Fearn37 mins: Wales make a change at tighthead prop with Tomas Francis coming off and Archie Griffin stepping on. Wales suffer an issue as Eddie James knocks on following a promising strike from a scrum.
Italy kick the ball downfield, but Josh Adams calmly clears it.
Wales 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:20 , Ciara Fearn32 mins: Italy are struggling to respond, conceding a penalty just inside their own half.
The Italian lineout has been shaky. They played the ball to the back but were slow to launch the drive.
TRY! Wales (Lake) 21-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:17 , Ciara Fearn29 mins: Great try by Wales. Italy are going to have to re-group here and completely change their tactical game.
Dewi Lake makes a strong hit at the lineout before steering the maul over the line. Dan Edwards adds the conversion.
Wales 14-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:14 , Ciara Fearn28 mins: Wales are in complete control. A grubber kick into the Italian 22 sees Ioane brought down by Rees-Zammit. Wales then turn over possession and earn a penalty as Ioane is penalised for holding on.
Edwards sends the ball to the corner. From the turnover, Wales mount another attack inside the 22. Italy defend well with Rees-Zammit superbly tackled, but Wales secure another penalty.
With sharper passing, they might have scored a third try. Edwards opts for another kick to the corner as Wales prepare to strike again.
TRY! Wales (Wainwright) 14-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:12 , Ciara Fearn26 mins: Wainwright claims his second try, finishing off a lineout drive that nearly reached the line.
Edwards adds the conversion from the left touchline, turning it into a seven-pointer.
Wales are now in a strong position to finally end their Six Nations losing streak.
Wales 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:11 , Ciara Fearn25 mins: In just a minute, Wales have gone from a scrum outside their 22 to earning a penalty on the edge of Italy’s 22.
Rather than the straightforward three points they take the attacking option and head for the corner.
Edwards delivers an excellent kick, setting up a five-metre lineout. The Welsh maul drives powerfully toward the line but is brought down just short.
Wales then gain a penalty advantage and believe they’ve scored, prompting a TMO review.
Wales 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:08 , Ciara Fearn23 mins: The first scrum penalty of the match is awarded to the home side.
Loosehead prop Fischetti is penalised for going to his knee with Italy missing their tighthead prop Ferrari for this game.
Wales 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:08 , Luke BakerWales have been tearing into it so far in Cardiff and are good value for their lead
Wales 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:05 , Ciara Fearn20 mins: Italy are gradually pressing deeper into the Welsh 22, but a costly error from Garbisi lets Wales off the hook.
With numbers out wide, his loose pass goes to ground, allowing Mee to clear the danger.
To make matters worse for Italy, Pani takes Mee out without the ball, handing Wales a penalty further upfield.
Wales 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:02 , Ciara Fearn18 mins: Wales are penalised for holding on just inside their half, giving Garbisi the chance to push play into the Welsh 22.
TRY! Wales (Wainwright) 7-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 17:00 , Ciara Fearn15 mins: Wales secure their lineout and from the next phase, their number eight Aaron Wainwright drives through multiple tackles to put his side on the scoreboard.
Dan Edwards converts the try.
Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:59 , Ciara Fearn14 mins: Excellent play from Ellis Mee as he shifts the ball across the field.
Italy apply pressure with a kick behind the defence, but Mee and Rees-Zammit clear it. Mee then chases down the ball to earn a penalty after Alessandro Fusco fails to secure it.
Wales opt to kick to the 22.
Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:56 , Ciara Fearn11 mins: Italy are handed a penalty after Mee spills a high ball just outside his 22 and Mann collects it from an offside position, giving away an easy chance.
The Italians opt for the sensible choice and go for the posts - Garbisi’s kick goes wide of the right post.
Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:54 , Ciara Fearn8 mins: Wales probe the Italian defence, but a turnover from Lorenzo Cannone allows Menoncello and Ioane to break free.
The Welsh quickly regroup and regain possession inside their 22 earning a penalty to ease the pressure.
Italy will likely be frustrated that they didn’t capitalise on that opportunity.
Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:50 , Ciara Fearn5 mins: Josh Adams receives treatment following a clash in the air. Blair Murray is on standby if required, but Adams is able to carry on.
Both sides have had a messy start to the game.
Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:45 , Ciara Fearn2 mins: A turnover sparks the home crowd and Rees-Zammit drives Wales into Italian territory.
Rhys Carre, now a fan favourite, powers forward as Wales mount a strong attack only for possession to be lost just outside Italy’s 22.
Kick-off! Wales 0-0 Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:42 , Ciara FearnEnglish referee Christophe Ridley signals the start, and Italy’s fly-half Paolo Garbisi kicks us off.
Kick-off fast approaching
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:36 , Ciara FearnThe teams are walking onto the pitch at the Principality Stadium and it is time for the national anthems.
“Il Canto degli Italiani” followed by “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”.
Key players who could decide the game
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:30 , Ciara FearnFor Wales, much of the attention will fall on loosehead prop Rhys Carre, the “Rhys Bielle-Carre” viral star who currently leads the side in tries during this campaign.
Captain Dewi Lake continues to be the driving force in the Welsh pack, while the pace and attacking flair of Louis Rees-Zammit make him a dangerous weapon out wide.
For Italy, fly-half Paolo Garbisi will be central to their creativity in attack and captain Michele Lamaro’s work at the breakdown could play a major role if the visitors are to repeat their success in Cardiff.
Wales vs Italy match officials
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Christophe Ridley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (Eng) & Eoghan Cross (Ire)
Television Match Official: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Foul Play Review Officer: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Another gong for Tommaso Menoncello?
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleTommaso Menoncello already has one Six Nations Player of the Tournament award in his trophy cabinet, won in 2024 with the help of a fan vote. He’s probably been, an off-day against Ireland aside, in better form in this campaign and that sort of individual honour could follow again depending on results elsewhere today.
Italy, of course, are seeking more history - a third win in this Six Nations would mark a high for the side since their introduction in 2000.
Battle at the breakdown
Saturday 14 March 2026 16:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly’s defensive breakdown work has been a noted strength during this tournament, with Michele Lamaro and Manuel Zuliani marrying nicely in the back row and others, including hooker Giacomo Nicotera, providing jackal threat too. The legality of Lamaro’s game-sealing turnover penalty against England has been questioned but it is often sensible at Test level to push the boundaries in that area, and Wales will have to get their ruck detail right to avoid disruption.
In Dafydd Jenkins, the hosts have the player to have hit more attacking breakdowns than anyone else in the competition - 134. Supreme ruck resourcing!
Scrum battle in focus
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is a huge day for Muhamed Hasa on the Italian tighthead side, filling the shirt of Simone Ferrari in just his second start for his country. His first came on the loosehead against Chile - Rhys Carre will provide a far stiffer challenge.
Wales will hope to match Italy at the scrum in the way that England did last week, particularly with Ferrari out. Nicky Smith is a fine technician to have on the bench, and it is a slight surprise not to see Marco Riccioni of Saracens restored to the Italian ranks after returning to the wider squad following injury. He may have given Hasa and Giosue Zilocchi a few tips on dealing with club colleague Carre, though.
Team news - Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly are forced into three changes with prop Simone Ferrari, lock Andrea Zambonin and scrum half Alessandro Garbisi ruled out. Muhamed Hasa takes up Ferrari’s post at tighthead and Federico Ruzza, good off the bench against England, partners Niccolo Cannone in the second row, while Alessandro Fusco is installed at scrum half.
Among the replacements, there is a sighting of Carmarthen-born Stephen Varney – the replacement No 9 has been going well for Exeter is set for his first appearance of the campaign.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Muhamed Hasa; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza; 6 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Alessandro Fusco, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Monty Ioane, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Louis Lynagh; 15 Lorenzo Pani.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Giosue Zilocchi, 19 Riccardo Favretto, 20 David Odiase; 21 Stephen Varney, 22 Leonardo Marin, 23 Tommaso Allan.
Ultimo appuntamento del @SixNationsRugby per la sfida tra Galles e Italia: #Quesada ha definito la formazione azzurra per il match di Cardiff 👉#WALvITA 🏴🇮🇹
— Italrugby (@Federugby) March 12, 2026
📆 Sabato 14 Marzo
⏰ 17:40 (ITA)
🏟 Principality Stadium, Cardiff
📺 @SkySport 1 ▪ @TV8it ▪ @NOWTV_It#GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/0l1aPtqO2I
Team news - Wales
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales stick with a settled side after a gutsy performance against Ireland last Friday. Steve Tandy names the same starting XV with just one change on the bench, that being the return of Blair Murray at the expense of Louie Hennessey.
Dan Edwards continues in the No 10 shirt with Sam Costelow still absent, while a pack that has gone well in the last two fixtures faces another stern test. Aaron Wainwright had been a slight doubt but is cleared to feature.
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Ben Carter; 6 Alex Mann, 7 James Botham, 8 Aaron Wainwright; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Olly Cracknell; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Blair Murray.
🚨 𝗧î𝗺 𝗖𝘆𝗺𝗿𝘂 🏴
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 12, 2026
Here is your Wales 23 to face Italy in our 2026 Six Nations finale at home on Saturday afternoon, 16:40 KO! 🔥💪
🎟 https://t.co/gaZs6k0kP7 #CymruAmByth | #GuinnessM6N pic.twitter.com/DIH6EwA9F0
Tomos Williams explains how Wales can take inspiration from Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleTomos Williams believes Italy are an example of how struggling Wales can transform their fortunes as momentum is a "huge thing".
Wales conclude another disappointing Six Nations campaign against the Azzurri in Cardiff, seeking their first win in the tournament for 1,099 days.
They have lost 15 successive Six Nations matches - with their last victory coming in Italy over three years ago - and are almost certain to prop up the table again.
Italy arrive in Cardiff having beaten Scotland and England and with the incentive of winning three games in the same Six Nations Championship for the first time.
Yet Italy lost 36 consecutive Six Nations games between 2015 and 2022, and lost all five matches as recently as 2023.
"They've obviously improved in recent years and are really competitive, especially this campaign," said Williams, the Gloucester and British and Irish Lions scrum-half.
"They've got some class players and have a good game plan that suits them and they've all bought into.
"From game to game or campaign to campaign it doesn't take much (to turn things around).
"Momentum swings and confidence is a huge thing. They look confident at the moment, they back themselves and know what they're doing."
Better crowd expected?
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:20 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty of tickets were still available for this fixture this week, and at very reasonable prices, too. We are expecting a bigger crowd than that which attended the France game earlier in the tournament, though, as the Welsh public begin to feel some signs of optimism again.
Louis Rees-Zammit hopes fans have feel-good factor
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleLouis Rees-Zammit feels Wales fans have something to finally get excited about, even though their side are set to finish bottom of the Six Nations again.
Wales' 27-17 defeat to Ireland was their 15th successive Six Nations loss - the worst run of any country other than Italy, who hold the unenviable record of a 36-match losing streak between 2015 and 2022.
But Wales were within one score of Ireland until the 76th minute, and another positive performance in Dublin came on the back of narrow home defeat to Scotland.
Rees-Zammit said: "In the first two games, there was nothing really to get behind. We weren't very good at all, both attacking-wise and defensively.
"It's hard for the crowd to get involved when we're not playing very well and we're letting in tries for fun early on in the game.
"But I think we should have won the past two games against two very good outfits in Scotland and Ireland, who have been together for a long, long time.
"We're just building, and I said after the France game we've just got to start trusting each other.
"We've really started to do that the past two games. That's why we've been able to put performances on that have been exciting, not for just us playing but people watching as well."
Gonzalo Quesada expecting tough test against desperate Wales
Saturday 14 March 2026 15:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleGonzalo Quesada has warned his squad to expect the sternest test of Italy’s tournament in Cardiff today.
"The past doesn't matter. This will be the toughest match," Quesada stressed, "because they have to win, they absolutely must win, and above all they did well against Scotland and Ireland. We've recovered well even though we had a day less preparation than them. We have some players injured, but we're fine, and the lads haven't made any mistakes; they've returned to training with the same quality and focus as always after the win against England."
The horror half-hour that cost England in Six Nations defeat to Italy
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleI thought Italy were uber-impressive in the way they closed out victory against England. Though not at their best in the first hour, their ability to keep calm while England capitulated was key:
The horror half-hour that cost England in Six Nations defeat to Italy
Steve Tandy focussed on performance rather than result
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales boss Steve Tandy insists performance is more important than victory in the Six Nations finale with Italy, despite their three-year wait for a win in the competition.
Italy were the last team to lose a Six Nations game to Wales on 11 March 2023 - 1,099 days ago.
Wales have since lost 15 consecutive matches in the Championship and supporters are desperate to see their worst ever run in the tournament ended.
Asked at his pre-match press conference if performance or result was more important, Tandy said: "I think performance.
"If we get the performance, the result will follow. I want both, if I'm honest, but I think the performance will get us closer.
"We can't control the outcome. You see in games, the bounce of the ball might not always go your way, but where we have to be is consistent.
"We have to consistently get better and have consistent performances. Because the closer you get, like against Scotland and Ireland and you're in games, the results will follow.
"You can get a win, but actually are you still growing? They should go hand in hand.
"We want to produce a performance that replicates what we did over the last few weeks, but also makes it better."
Six Nations title permutations: What do France, Scotland and Ireland need to win championship?
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNot particularly pertinent here, of course, but with that game in Dublin underway, here’s a reminder of all of the title permutations you need to know:
Six Nations title permutations: How France, Scotland and Ireland can win championship
Ireland vs Scotland live
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack to the second helping of Six Nations Super Saturday in a moment, but the action is underway in Dublin as Ireland and Scotland battle to keep their title hopes alive. You can follow that mighty meeting here - flick it up on new tab and indulge in it all!
Ireland vs Scotland LIVE: Latest score and updates from Six Nations showdown
Louis Lynagh sets title ambition after Italy's progress
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly are no longer content with being Six Nations underdogs and reflecting on their landmark win over England ‹last weekend, wing Louis Lynagh believes they can soon win the championship.
Saturday's 23-18 win in Rome was Italy's first-ever over England. They had beaten every other Six Nations side since joining the competition in 2000 except the English.
Italy also beat Scotland this year in their opening game, a side that can still win the title on the final day and Lynagh sees no reason why his side cannot be in that position too.
They visit bottom team Wales on Saturday in their final game of this year's edition sitting fourth with nine points and could win three games in a single championship for the first time.
"A lot of our guys believe it," Lynagh told Reuters.
"I feel this team can win the Six Nations, whether it's next year or the year after or at some point. We're no longer just a one-off. On our day, we can beat almost any team in the world.
"It's kind of set a benchmark for ourselves. We're here to win games and we're here to really make a mark on every game."
Steve Tandy challenges Wales to 'go up another level'
Saturday 14 March 2026 14:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales boss Steve Tandy has challenged his players to "go up another level" after naming an unchanged side for their Six Nations finale against Italy.
Although bottom of the table and still searching for a first win of the tournament, Tandy has given a vote of confidence to the starting XV that pushed Ireland all the way in Dublin last week.
Wales were within one score until the 76th minute before losing 27-17 to Andy Farrell's side.
Tandy said: "Having an unchanged team, I think it reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland.
"This week we need to go up another level. We've had some really good performances.
"I think there were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good.
"Against Ireland we stepped up to the plate physically. Now it's putting it all together and creating our best performance this weekend."
Wales name unchanged starting side
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt speaks to the strides Wales are making that Steve Tandy was able to name an unchanged starting side for this game - just a single change to the matchday 23 is a first since the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Wales name unchanged starting side in bid for long-awaited Six Nations win
The vital next step Wales must take against Italy to end long Six Nations losing streak
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleA search for a long-awaited success will need Wales to find another level, one feels - but they can count on the passion of a people ready for some better rugby news.
The next step Wales must take against Italy to end long Six Nations losing streak
Wales vs Italy live
Saturday 14 March 2026 13:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleWales go in search of a first Six Nations success in more than three years as Steve Tandy’s side host Italy in the final round of fixtures on “Super Saturday”. After vastly improved performances against Scotland and Ireland. hope is building that Wales can at last get over the line after 15 successive defeats - but they’ll have to be at their best to beat this history-making Italian side.
Kick off in Cardiff is at 4.40pm GMT.
