Gatland praises Webb for his contribution in win over Italy

Wales boss Warren Gatland hailed the excellence of sc rum half Rhys Webb after a 29-17 Guinness Six Nations victory over Italy at Stadio Olimpico.

Webb’ s first Test start since October 2020 saw him create two tries and deservedly take player-of-the-match honours as Gatland’s team ended a run of three successive defeats in this season’s tournament.

“I thought he was excellent in that game in the way his decision-making controlled the game,” Gatland said.

“He has not played at this level for a while, so we were always thinking when did we need to make a change in terms of his legs and stuff.

“I though this contribution was excellent and his decision making in not trying to force things, not trying too hard. I thought it was a great contribution by him.”

Gatland’s team arrived in

Rome with the wooden spoon a realistic prospect following defeats against Ireland, Scotland and England. But Italy, who wasted a host of chances, now look destined to finish bottom of the Six Nations table for an 18th time as Wales climbed off the basement.

Early tries by wing Rio Dy er and full-back Liam Williams rewarded a dominant early display, then a penalty try underpinned an impressive first-half performance that saw Wales build a 19-point advantage.

Number eight Taulupe Faletau’s 50th-minute touchdown secured a bonus-point, while fly-half Owen Williams kicked a penalty and two conversions.

G at land added :“We spoke before the game about being smart about how we wanted to play, but also being brave and taking those opportunities and moving the ball.

“I thought we deserved to win against an Italy team that is obviously improving. They’re the most athletic Italian side we’ve faced.”

Gatland, meanwhile, said that replacement hooker Scott Baldwin could be unavailable for next weekend’s clash against France after picking up a pectoral muscle injury, while Liam Williams suffered a shoulder knock and wing Josh Adams as light knee issue.

Wales captain Ken Owens said: “We will grow from this. We’ve perhaps lacked a bit of confidence over the last few weeks, but I felt we were confident,we were patient and we problem-solved. We are trying to build something and we are building. It was a victory for the whole squad.”