Wales end losing streak with victory over Italy
Wales concluded a six-match losing streak by defeating Italy 31-17 at the Principality Stadium, ending a prolonged period without a Six Nations win. Despite securing the Wooden Spoon for the third consecutive year, this campaign closed on a note of victory and renewed optimism.
In previous years, a home win against Italy might have been seen as routine or even underwhelming, but this occasion was different. Head coach Steve Tandy expressed his overwhelming emotions following the match, which was witnessed by nearly 70,000 fans.
Wales had not won a Six Nations match since 11 March 2023, marking 15 games and 1,099 days without success. The team had shown signs of improvement in recent defeats to Scotland and Ireland, but this performance delivered the first Six Nations home win since February 2022 — a gap of 1,491 days.
"We were back at home in front of an amazing crowd who have supported us through tough times," said captain Dewi Lake. "We just hope this was something we could give back to them."
The squad has faced challenges both on and off the field. Lake highlighted the resilience of the group.
"This is a group that massively deserves that result," said Lake. "They've worked hard and turned up through tough times. It's easy to say we're expected to do it and is what we're here to do. This group has gone through a lot of emotionally tough things recently, on and off the field."
Wales deliver a performance and result
The debate over whether performance or result was more important was a key theme leading up to the game. Both Tandy and Lake emphasized the significance of performance before and after the match.
"I know people think it's talk, but I genuinely believe it's performance," said head coach Steve Tandy. "Some of the group are growing with experience and they are unbelievable to work with but we can‘t get too far ahead of ourselves. So if you get the performance, results will follow. It's a great day for us."
The victory marked Tandy's first Six Nations win as Wales head coach and only his second win in nine games. Players have expressed strong support for Tandy and his long-term vision.
"This is something we've been building towards," said Lake. "When Steve talks about the performance over the result, it's a genuine point for us. We ultimately think if we get our performance on the pitch, that takes care of the result."
Wonderful Wainwright and Captain Lake inspire
Experienced players Aaron Wainwright and Dewi Lake played pivotal roles, with Wainwright scoring two tries and Lake adding another. Wainwright has been Wales' standout player in the tournament, overcoming recent injury concerns.
"He's a fantastic player," said Tandy. "We were concerned last week after he had a bump. But I've never seen him so focused. Even though there was a bit of doubt, he said he was playing."
Lake has also responded strongly following a difficult start to the tournament.
"The skipper has been brilliant over the last six weeks," said Tandy. "The way he's integrating with referees, the way he's learning constantly around his leadership. The good leaders play well and Dewi does that. He doesn't miss a minute in training and wants to keep getting better."
Other notable contributors included returning prop Tomas Francis, wing Josh Adams, and scrum-half Tomos Williams, who all excelled against Italy.
Edwards shows glimpse of what future could look like
Wales are beginning to identify players who could become international stars. Centre Eddie James has emerged as a breakthrough player in this tournament, celebrating his first international win.
Fly-half Dan Edwards delivered his best performance for Wales, scoring 16 points including a try and a long-range drop goal, along with four conversions, helping Wales establish a 31-0 lead.
"He was outstanding," said Tandy. "There's certain positions where we're getting a little bit more competitive, which is exciting. Costelow did brilliantly against Scotland but unfortunately he had an injury then Dan has taken his opportunity which is brilliant."
Tandy also acknowledged his initial doubts about Edwards' drop goal attempt.
"You're probably thinking ‘what are you doing?’ And then he absolutely buries it."
Case for the defence improves
Wales' defence has improved significantly since the opening two games, where they conceded 15 tries and 102 points against England and France. In the subsequent three games, Wales conceded 11 tries but showed greater physicality and resilience.
This was particularly evident in Dublin and during the second-half defensive effort against Italy, highlighted by Ellis Mee's crucial tackle to prevent a try by Italy wing Monty Ioane.
Wales avoided conceding a try bonus point in all five fixtures this year, a marked improvement from conceding at least four tries in each of their previous four games.
"We're always talking about margins and those are fine margins," said Tandy. "That was really pleasing and the last 10 minutes against Italy did feel long and drag out."
Former Glasgow defence coach Peter Murchie will join the coaching staff permanently in the summer after completing his commitments in Japan. He will build on the defensive platform established by Tandy and Dan Lydiate, working with players such as Alex Mann, James Botham, Dafydd Jenkins, and Ben Carter.
"There's never been a question of desire, physicality or work ethic in this group," said Tandy. "It's just getting to understand how far they can go with that work ethic, where they can go physically. They're getting better but we need to go further. We've got to be stronger."
What happens next?
While Welsh rugby will celebrate this long-awaited win, challenges remain. One Test victory will not resolve the ongoing turmoil within Welsh rugby.
Tandy's next assignment is an uncapped match against the Barbarians at Twickenham in late June, followed by three matches against Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in the new Nations Championship in July.
Off-field disputes regarding the future of Welsh professional rugby are expected to intensify during this period. Just 30 minutes after the final whistle, Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby Dave Reddin appeared in a pre-planned live interview, which drew criticism on social media for its timing and for not addressing a question from former Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones.
Reddin reiterated the WRU's plans to reduce the number of professional men's teams from four to three, a move that has sparked controversy among fans, politicians, and stakeholders who argue that four teams must be maintained.
The WRU faces an extraordinary general meeting next month, including a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood, as well as a legal dispute with Swansea Council over the future of the Ospreys.
Players and supporters remain concerned about uncertainty, with key players Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake moving to Gloucester next season, meaning half of Wales’ starting forward pack will be based in England.
These issues are likely to dominate discussions in the coming weeks, but for now, Welsh rugby fans are encouraged to savor this overdue victory against Italy.
"Let Welsh rugby have that moment at least. Other things can wait. Even if it is just for today."
