The Azzurri ran Wales much closer than expected in Cardiff, coming within striking distance before a late Leigh Halfpenny penalty goal sealed the win. Italy’s stock has risen considerably after being vastly written off before the match, mostly on account of their inexperienced backline and questionable defense. It’s fair to say that both assumptions have been proven at least temporarily unfounded. Consequently the tournament has become significantly more challenging for all concerned.

Of concern to Welsh fans will be that had Alex Cuthbert not scored a gratuitous try, thanks to an Angelo Esposito fumble, and Tommaso Allan had his kicking boots on they might be in a far more humbling position now. While the home side were not bad per se, they didn’t look sharp on attack and the Italian spread defense held up surprisingly well against a predictable attack. Rhys Priestland had his moments and seemed to grow into the match, but is still far from convincing at the moment, though one wonders if Dan Biggar would have made much difference, and James Hook appears to be persona non grata at the moment despite occupying a spot in the reserves.

Italian fans can be immensely proud of the play of their youngsters out wide. After his initial blunder Esposito calmed down and did fairly well, though he was caught defending too far infield on one occasion. Leonardo Sarto played his best game in the blue jersey, and Allan looked pretty calm, though his goal kicking remains a serious issue. Michele Campagnaro was a revelation at centre, easily deserving of his man-of-the-match award and now poses a question of where Tommaso Benvenuti fits in, an unusual and no doubt pleasing problem for Jacques Brunel to have.

Halfpenny kicked well but in general it was a forgettable game for the usually inch-perfect fullback, and George North was contained by the swarming Italian defense. Jamie Roberts played very well though Scott Williams is clearly more comfortable on the inside rather than the outside. Paul James had a difficult match and will need to improve next week, so too Mike Phillips who never really challenged on the fringes and looked short of inspiration.

Warren Gatland will be pleased with the win, but obviously there will be plenty of work to do during the week ahead of a massive game in Dublin on Saturday. Sam Warburton can be expected to return to the starting lineup, though whether it’s at the expense of Dan Lydiate or Justin Tipuric is a question of attacking intent. Italy head to France where they have a legitimate shot at an upset if France are at all complacent following an emotional victory over England.

SCORING
04 mins – A. Cuthbert try 5-0
05 mins – L. Halfpenny con 7-0
13 mins – T. Allan pen 7-3
29 mins – L. Halfpenny pen 10-3
38 mins – S. Williams try 15-3
39 mins – L. Halfpenny con 17-3
42 mins – M. Campagnaro try 17-8
67 mins – L. Halfpenny pen 20-8
69 mins – M. Campagnaro try 20-13
70 mins – T. Allan con 20-15
74 mins – L. Halfpenny pen 23-15

WALES
L. Halfpenny; A. Cuthbert, S. Williams, J. Roberts, G. North; R. Priestland, M. Phillips (R. Webb 67); P. James (R. Bevington 78), R. Hibbard (K. Owens 67), A. Jones (R. Jones 64); L. Charteris (A. Coombs 57), A.W. Jones (capt.); D. Lydiate (S. Warburton 64), J. Tipuric, T. Faletau.

ITALY
L. McLean; A. Esposito, M. Campagnaro, A. Sgarbi, L. Sarto (T. Iannone 76); T. Allan, E. Gori (T. Botes 65); M. Rizzo (A. de Marchi 55), L. Ghiraldini (D. Giazzon 57), M. Castrogiovanni (L. Cittadini 68); Q. Geldenhuys, M. Bortolami (J. Furno 68); A. Zanni (M. Bergamasco 73), M. Bergamasco (F. Minto 57), S. Parisse (capt.).

Referee: J. Lacey (IRFU)
Assistants: G. Jackson (NZRU) & F. Pastrana (UAR)
TMO: I. Ramage (SRU)