Skipper Jones hails Wales’ fight, spirit
Captain Alun Wyn Jones said Wales had their “foot in the door” after getting their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start.
Rob Howley’s men saw England and Scotland record victories on Saturday and the Dragons responded with a 337 win over Italy in Rome yesterday.
But they will need a considerable improvement to threaten this weekend’s opponents England following tries during the final quarter from centre Jonathan Davies and wings Liam Williams and George North as they posted 30 unanswered points in the second period.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny kicked 18 points as Wales reeled off an 11th successive victory over the Azzurri, who struck first with an Edoardo Gori try that fly-half Carlo Canna converted.
“The first half proved how much of a test it was,” Wales’ new captain said. “We started slowly but the character showed. We got our foot in the door after the way results have gone.
“We worked a little harder, kept the ball and we came together in the second half. We will stay on message. We are a day behind everyone else, so it is a foot in the door.”
Coach Howley said: “Momentum is important in the Six Nations.
“Italy are coached by three fantastic coaches and we knew how difficult it would be. The conditions made it even tougher and we are pleased, but we will move on quickly and focus on the next one.
“We will have to put England under more pressure than we did against Italy, so that is going to be the challenge.
“Our team were disciplined. We trusted our systems, particularly in defence.
“Sam Warburton was outstanding. We had some key turnovers. I am delighted with the back-row balance.”