Welsh ensure second spot still within reach on final weekend
WARREN Gatland felt it was “job done” as Wales overpowered Italy to ensure the battle for second in the Six Nations is in their hands on the final weekend.
Wales produced a mixed performance — sparkling in parts but sloppy in others — in scoring five tries to beat Italy 38-14 and register a bonus point win at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The victory moved Wales into second with a one-point advantage over England and France — and another bonus point success against Les Bleus in Cardiff on Saturday will see them confirmed as runners up to champions Ireland.
“It was a job done, it’s what we wanted,” Gatland said after Wales had beaten Italy for the 12th consecutive time with George North (two), Hadleigh Parkes, Cory Hill and Justin Tipuric scoring tries.
“We’ve got a six-day turnaround and we’ve given players an opportunity.
“To make 10 changes, score the points we did, and win comfortably was the pleasing aspect.
“At times we looked absolutely outstanding and great, and at other times we lacked cohesion.
“Some elements of the game were frustrating and we’ll go away and work on that.
“But we achieved what we wanted to do, to get a bonus point and have our destiny in our own hands next week to finish second in the championship.”
Wales bounced back from successive defeats to England and Ireland, despite suffering two yellow cards and being reduced to 13 men early in the second half.
Defeat condemned Italy to collecting the wooden spoon for the 13th time in 19 seasons since joining the Championship in 2000.