Wales End Three-Year Six Nations Drought with Victory Over Italy
Wales secured their first Six Nations win in 1,099 days on Saturday, March 14, 2026, defeating Italy 31-17 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The victory marks a significant turnaround for the Welsh team, who had been struggling in the competition.
Match Highlights and Player Performances
The match saw several standout performances from the Welsh side. Aaron Wainwright delivered an outstanding display, scoring two tries and demonstrating power in all departments. He was pivotal in establishing a commanding lead for Wales.
Key Player Ratings
- Louis Rees-Zammit (15): While still adjusting to the full-back position, Rees-Zammit showed positive decision-making and contributed to putting Italy under pressure, earning penalties. Rating: 6
- Ellis Mee (14): A defensively strong performance with a net positive contribution, despite limited attacking opportunities. Rating: 7
- Eddie James (13): Consistent in his role as a focal point in the team, providing front-foot ball for the half-backs. Rating: 7
- Joe Hawkins (12): Showed playmaking talent alongside an improving centre partnership. Rating: 6
- Josh Adams (11): Part of a well-functioning back three, demonstrating a spiky attitude that positively influenced the team. Rating: 7
- Dan Edwards (10): Composed and controlled the game effectively, rewarded with a strive and excellent kicking. Rating: 8
- Tomos Williams (9): A classy operator with outstanding kicking and decision-making, maintaining a high tempo throughout the match. Rating: 8
- Aaron Wainwright (8): An outstanding performance, scoring two tries and excelling in all aspects of the game. Rating: 8
- James Botham (7): Dominant in defence, with a significant hit in the second half, contributing to Wales’ dominance in the loose. Rating: 8
- Alex Mann (6): Showed improvement and greater influence with a better platform, contributing to the team’s hard work. Rating: 7
- Ben Carter (5): Demonstrated growth during the tournament, with excellent work rate and rectified initial lineout issues. Rating: 7
- Dafydd Jenkins (4): Developed nicely throughout the year, performing his job effectively with strong fundamentals. Rating: 7
- Tomas Francis (3): Held his own against a strong opponent but was forced off before halftime. Rating: 6
- Dewi Lake (c) (2): Thrived after initial lineout concerns were addressed, demonstrating power in the carry, excellent defence, and deservedly scoring a try. Rating: 8
- Rhys Carre (1): Fantastic performance, dominating in the loose and scrum. Rating: 8
The replacement front-row players were less effective, allowing Italy to gain some success when introduced, though the game was largely decided by that point. Rating: 5
Wales’ Performance and Future Outlook
Wales finished bottom of the Six Nations pile for a third successive year, but the victory over Italy offers optimism for the future. Italy, despite hoping to win three games in a Six Nations campaign for the first time, missed out on a bonus point and finished ahead of Wales in the table.
The win signals a potential turning point for Wales, with signs of progress and something for Steve Tandy to build on.