Defending Six Nations champions Wales weren’t as convincing as they would have liked to be but managed to hold off a determined Italy side in Cardiff, winning 23-15 after leading 17-3 at halftime thanks to tries by Alex Cuthbert and Scott Williams.
Young Italian back Michele Campagnaro had a fantastic game for the visitors, scoring two tries which resulted in his Man of the Match award despite being on the losing side.
Wales are after a third consecutive Six Nations title but will need to lift the standards again when they travel to Dublin to face Ireland next weekend.
“I thought we were positive in terms of our attacking play but Italy were dogged and competed pretty hard all game,” Wales coach Warren Gatland said post match.
“Defensively I thought our structure was pretty good. Italy made it tough for us.
“I think in the past when we have come under pressure like that we might not have had the composure to finish it off but we did today. We’re champions and every team is going to come at us and make it tough.”
As Italy threatened to get back into the match, Leigh Halfpenny’s boot kept the hosts out in front.
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