Wales player ratings against Italy after Warren Gatland’s side lost yet again, resulting in their worst-ever Six Nations finish.
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Italy clinched their most triumphant Six Nations campaign yet, leaving Wales to endure their first Wooden Spoon in over two decades following a resounding victory in Cardiff.
A try by winger Monty Ioane coupled with two penalties from Paulo Garbisi propelled Italy to an impressive 11-0 lead by halftime. Full-back Lorenzo Pani further bolstered their lead with a remarkable score, while Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo contributed with successful penalty kicks.
Despite Wales managing to respond with tries from Elliot Dee, Will Rowlands, and Mason Grady, it only served to salvage some dignity in the face of Italy’s dominance.
The final scoreline of 24-21 in favour of Italy somewhat flattered Wales, with the result mirroring Italy’s triumphant performance in Cardiff back in 2022.
Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs Italy.
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Wales player ratings vs Italy
15. Cameron Winnett – 5.5
Solid under the high ball in the early goings, as the match broke down into a game of kick tennis. Well timed jumps but equally well-timed hits by Louis Lynagh. Spilt the ball in contact, as Italy’s line-speed was impactful. No shout for the catch at 29 minutes, as he and Costelow fumbled the ball. Turned over on the deck at 52 minutes, as Brex halted the sudden surge of Welsh momentum.
14. Josh Adams – 6
Question marks around his 10th minute air-born catch, as he stuck out a boot. Looked to have split the Italy defence at 26 minutes, but is brought down and turned over on the deck. Chased down the kicks well and made some good hits on the Italian wings. Turned inside-out by Pani, as the fullback tore through the Welsh defence.
13. George North – 7
Saw in floods of tears during the national anthem, as he ran out for his final Wales appearence. Penalised at the deck for not releasing at 13 minutes, as Garbisi extended the score to 6-0. Showed great strength to bring Lynagh to the deck at full pelt. Won his side rare field position with a 34th minute punt. Down injured at 56 minutes after a heavy coming together with Menoncello. The most consistent option and bids farewell through injury on a difficult day.
12. Nick Tompkins – 5
Partnering up with North for the final time, the two midfielders interlinked well in their final partnership. Unforced knock-on at 16 minutes, in what was a poor error from the back of a maul. Tripped up as Ioane is gifted an immense gap to score a try. Spilled the ball once again at 38 minutes, and punched the floor in frustration. Couldn’t halt Pani’s run to the line as the fullback split through the Welsh defence. Off at 48 minutes after an uninspired outing.
11. Rio Dyer – 5.5
Lorenzo Pain glided round Dyer at 10 minutes, and needed Refell to cover into touch. Came in on the angle at 11 minutes, and was drilled to ground by two defenders. Gave away a free kick for obstruction at 13 minutes, in a harsh call by the referee that reversed a Welsh penalty. Made a good break into the back-field early in the second half. Left on the deck behind Pani, as the fullback burned passed the wing on the way to score. Swarmed by Brex at 72 minutes, as Garbisi secured the turnover for another penalty.
10. Sam Costelow – 6
Failed to find touch on his 15th minute penalty. He and Winnett bump into each other and fumble the kick return at 29 minutes. A lack of cohesion with Tomos Williams and Nick Tompkins and uninspired attacking lines. Missed a third penalty attempt to find touch, in an underwhelming effort from the boot. Off for Llyod (74).