Image Credit: Japan Today
By Lee Clow
01 February 2020 | Guinness Six Nations
Wales began their defence of the Six Nations trophy with an impressive victory over Italy in Cardiff.
The reigning champions dismantled Italy by a score of 42-0 with a dominate, clinical and disciplined performance.
Wales took a 9-0 lead within the first 20 minutes following three penalty calls. Daniel Biggar converted all three kicks stating Wales’ intent in the game.
Moments later, Wales extended their lead further as they scored their first try through Josh Adams. Biggar failed to convert the conversion but this did not worry Wales to much with the score at 14-0.
Following a poor start, Italy showed some good glimpses of play, but Wales soon crushed their hopes of a comeback as Adams scored his second try of the game. A lovely piece of skill by Biggar, a pass through the legs of the defender, found Adams down the left flank for him to bundle the ball over the line to make the score 19-0.
Biggar learnt from his last conversion and this time converted his kick as Wales took a 21-0 lead into the first half.
In the second half, Italy came out with more intent looking to get on the score board, but the Wales defence remained strong and disciplined.
On the hour mark, Wales scored their third try as two replacements, Cory Hill and Nick Tompkins, combined. Hill excellently broke on the Italian defence before finding Tompkins who skipped through and touch downed on his debut. Biggar again converted from the conversion.
George North thought he scored Wales’ fourth try of the game, but after a TMO review, it was shown that Tompkins had knocked on the ball in the buildup.
North’s disappointment was short lived however as Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones helped him bundle the ball over the line to score Wales’ fourth try. With Biggar now replaced, Leigh Halfpenny took over as conversion kicker and he dispatched his kick to make the score 35-0.
With seconds remaining, Adams scored his hattrick as Wales finished off their route against Italy. Adams hattrick was the wing's 14th try in 22 Test appearances. Halfpenny again converted the conversion ending the game at 42-0 for the home side.
An excellent victory for new Wales boss Wayne Pivac as his side looks to retain their Six Nations title. For Italy, the defeat means they have lost 23 successive Six Nations games.
What’s next?
Wales’ next game is on Saturday when they face Ireland, who play Scotland later today. Italy next face France, who play England tomorrow, on Sunday.
Comments