Wales go North into second place as winger inspires emphatic win over the Azzurri

WALES 38 14

Wales moved up to second in the Natwest Six Nations table behind champions Ireland after claiming an expected bonus-point victory over Italy. It was not always plain sailing for Wales before they made it 12 successive wins against the Azzurri, but their superior finishing ability ultimately told during a 38-14 triumph.

Wing George North – back in action following a recent difficult time at his club Northampton – set the tone with a try double, while centre Hadleigh Parkes, lock Cory Hill and flanker Justin Tipuric also crossed. Stand-off Gareth Anscombe kicked three conversions and a penalty, while substitute Leigh Halfpenny added two conversions.

Italy replied through a touchdown for full-back Matteo Minozzi that former Scotland Under-20s stand-off Tomasso Allan converted, making it 14-7, before Mattia Bellini touched down late on – Carlo Canna added the extras – yet a much-changed Wales team never found themselves under serious threat as North took centre stage.

They made a flying start by posting two converted tries during the opening six minutes. Parkes bounced off two Italian defenders to claim the opener, then before Italy could regain their composure, Wales centre Owen Watkin cut the Azzurri defence apart from deep and his pass found North, who finished off for his 31st Test try, with Anscombe adding both conversions.

Any hint of Wales complacency was swiftly removed when Italy responded through a try by Minozzi and Allan’s conversion made it 14-7 after ten minutes. Wales could not re-establish initial momentum and they were content to increase their advantage through a 35th-minute Anscombe penalty. But they ended the opening 40 minutes reduced to 14 men when fullback Liam Williams was sinbinned for a dangerous tackle on opposite number Minozzi.

Wales needed to regroup and they delivered within four minutes of the restart as sustained pressure ended with Hill claiming his first Test try.

Anscombe added the extras, leaving Wales with the best part of 35 minutes to claim a bonus-point score, which North secured 14 minutes from time. A Tipuric try confirmed an emphatic success before Italy claimed a consolation when Bellini was freed on an overlap.