9. Tomos Williams – 5.5
Penalised after five minutes for not releasing on the floor, as Italy take their first shot at the posts for an early lead. A mixed bag of his ball distribution tempo from the back of the breakdown, didn’t have the most consistent reception. Made a good second half break in support of Rio Dyer at 43 minutes. Tried the box kick a few too many times. So close to the try-line at 62 minutes and injured in the effort, outstanding tackle from Vintcent. (Off for Hardy, 62)
1. Gareth Thomas – 6.5
Good carry at the seventh minute, to spread the Italian defence thin. Hinging at the scrum just before the half-time break as Italy gain a territory. Frustrated after securing a ruck, only for Josh Adams to go in at the side and give away a penalty. Off for Mathias (74).
2. Elliot Dee – 7.5
Solid early line-out throws, finding the hands well at front, middle and the back. Brilliant jackal to win the ball at 15 minutes, as he was rapid over the ball. Had a change of footwear, but did not improve Wales’ scrum – wheeled on 24 minutes. Drove over for a TMO reviewed try, as he gets carried over by an Italian player for the grounding. Off for Llyod (74).
3. Dillon Lewis – 7
Great steal at the breakdown at 13 minutes, regained possession for Wales at the ruck but the call was frustratingly reversed for obstruction. Gave away a scrum penalty at 17 minutes, as the tight-head buckled under pressure. Made good tackles in the loose, halted Ross Vintcent as he built up a head of steam. Off for O’Connor (74)
4. Dafydd Jenkins – 6
Great tap tackle on Garbisi, as the fly half looked to pull the trigger on a kick into the back-field. Great passion to drive his players forward, but his side left it too little too late.
5. Adam Beard – 6
Quick over the ball at the breakdown, and helped his side win an eighth minute ruck penalty. Strong and commanding in the air, didn’t make too many errors at line-out time. Penalised at 44 minutes for a neck roll, as he halted a rare Welsh trip to the Italian 22. Off for Rowlands (51).
6. Alex Mann – 6.5
Had a brief altercation with Sebastian Negri, as the two blindsides came together. Frustrated after Italy took an 11-0 lead. Heavy carry from the 5m line that thudded around the Principality. Tackling well and chopping down the heavy ball carriers. Good turnover at 37 minutes to end a sloppy phase of repetitive spills. Off for Martin (57).