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Sun 22 Mar 2015 | 02:31
Wales cut loose in Rome for unbelievable second half against Italy

7
Comments

Wales produced an unbelievable second half performance against Italy as they chased the Six Nations title, attempting to rack up as many points as possible in Rome. Leading just 14-13 at halftime, they ended up winning 61-20, putting them in a strong position.

It was a day of mixed emotions for Welsh fans, as they ended up coming third overall, with Ireland in winning and England coming second, within a converted try of snatching the championship.

George North scored a hat-trick, while Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Scott Williams, Rhys Webb and Sam Warburton all scored too, and flyhalf Dan Biggar kicked 15 points with the boot.

Despite not managing to get into pole position, Wales coach Warren Gatland has backed his side to get out of Rugby World Cup's Pool A 'pool of death', that includes England and Australia.

"If we've got the players fit and available we’re good enough to come out of that group and even to the win the World Cup. We have momentum and all the confidence that goes with that", he said.

"We won't be going into the World Cup with any fears of not qualifying from our group.

"There is no fear about playing England at Twickenham or Australia as well because we know we will be in good shape as long as everyone stays fit and clear of injuries. We can go there with some real confidence and belief that we can get out of our group.

"You have sides ranked fourth, fifth and sixth in the world, so that shows how tough it is to get out of that group, while Fiji with preparation will be tough as well. It is unfortunate that you are going to have one of the big teams not making the quarter-finals. That's what has happened to us and we are confident we can get out of that group and progress to the quarter-finals," Gatland added.

We'll have more Six Nations highlights and reaction over the course of the next few days

Posted By: Grant Constable

7 Comments

  • drg
    4:13 AM 24/03/2015

    Agree with your comments about the first half, I was quite shocked at the end of the game because the first half had me laughing, I was thinking "this is brilliant from Italy, good luck getting your points diff Wales" then they came in flying....

    As above though, a poor start like that against other teams could put the game out of reach..

  • drg
    4:10 AM 24/03/2015

    I defended his body on the line tackling a year or two ago when he got in between an English player (I think) and the try line as I didn't believe he would have had enough to force the player into touch otherwise, but this is indefensible, it's poor technique.

    Take note that I think it was the same side against the English player mentioned above, a trend? Can 1/2p not tackle well with this left shoulder?

  • stroudos
    8:57 AM 23/03/2015

    He needs one of those little posters next to his peg in the changing room to provide a reminder before he runs out:

    Cuddle his arse, don't cuddle his cock.

  • 10:58 PM 22/03/2015

    Agreed otherwise his career will be over soon

  • 10stonenumber10
    8:54 PM 22/03/2015

    A perfectly orchestrated plan by the Italian management to ensure Ireland had the best chance of winning the 6 Nations.


    At least, that is what I am telling myself between tears.


    On a serious note, that was something truly special by Wales. Like Pacquiao's sparring partner, it is an honour to be on the end of such a clinical thrashing.

  • pipo
    8:44 PM 22/03/2015

    Leigh Halfpenny has to stop tackling like that, putting his head in the way of knees, or he might get seriously injured one of these days.

  • welshblue
    8:24 PM 22/03/2015

    Incredible from Wales when they finally got their game on but too little is being said about the poor first half. Still not sure we're good enough to get through our WC group, IMO England are looking the best side in the northern hemisphere at the moment and they're going to be real tough to beat at Twickenham (even for Australia)

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