Six Nations: Italy stun Wales as they rating a final minute attempt to win in Cardiff

Utter embarrassment for Wales. Pleasure unconfined for Italy.

What ought to have been a day to recollect for 2 Welsh greats in Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones changed into the stuff of nightmares.

Wayne Pivac’s aspect ought to be embarrassed to have produced a show of such abysmal paucity. It was as unhealthy because it will get for these of a Welsh persuasion.

For Italy, it was a primary Six Nations win since 2015 as they lastly ended a run of 36 straight Championship defeats.

They deserved it, too, as they confirmed two fingers to the critics who consider they haven’t any place among the many northern hemisphere elite.

‘It is merely not ok,’ mentioned Biggar, his one centesimal Wales cap ruined by the shock loss. ‘I do not know the place we go. So many sides of the sport weren’t ok. It was so poor. It is most likely the final likelihood for lots of gamers.’

Wales weren’t simply unhealthy, they have been unmotivated, torpid — and made so many fundamental errors it virtually beggared perception. Like Biggar, the nice Jones was additionally celebrating a milestone sport together with his one hundred and fiftieth cap. Each gamers will wish to neglect today and rapidly, nevertheless it’s unlikely they may be capable to.

‘It is a bitter capsule to swallow,’ admitted head coach Pivac. ‘We will get criticism and rightly so. It is extremely, very disappointing. It was an unacceptable efficiency.’

Jones grew to become the primary participant to win 150 caps for a single nation. His match resulted in defeat, as did his first, fiftieth and one centesimal Wales Assessments.

Josh Adams appeared like he had saved Wales’ bacon with a 69th minute strive, however Pivac’s aspect left the door open for Italy all day they usually lastly smashed it down.

Excellent Azzurri full-back Ange Capuozzo, nonetheless simply 22, set off on a searing late run. He went previous Taulupe Faletau, Adams and Kieran Hardy and after a second of brilliance, was calmness personified as he handed inside to Edoardo Padovani, leaving Biggar utterly helpless.

Capuozzo’s genius allowed Padovani to attain subsequent to the posts. Paolo Garbisi wanted a easy conversion to win it. He fell to the ground in tears after kicking the aim.

Italy’s gamers deservedly went wild with delight.

Wales had deliberate a celebration on the pitch to have fun Biggar’s and Jones’ achievements. That was swiftly pulled and as a substitute, towards all the chances, it was Italy left to do the dancing. It had, in spite of everything, been an extended seven years.

Biggar stormed off at full time, hurling his boots to the ground in frustration.

His vice-captain Adam Beard appeared for the post-match press convention and mentioned: ‘For a few of us it is our worst expertise in a Wales jersey.’

Wales by no means obtained going from the primary whistle. To be so poor is one factor, however to not be up for the battle is solely inexcusable. Pivac’s aspect struggled on the breakdown and gave away penalties.

It allowed Garbisi and Padovani besides Italy right into a 12-7 interval lead.

Wales crossed within the first half via Owen Watkin and Dewi Lake added a second after the interval, however Italy have been all the time within the contest.

Garbisi put them again forward and though it appeared like Adams would assist Wales inch residence, they hadn’t banked on Capuozzo. Adams gave his man-of-the-match medal to Capuozzo on the ultimate whistle.

Wales thought that they had scored a fourth attempt to sealed a bonus-point win via Wyn Jones, however the rating was dominated out and Italy then went the size of the sector to win it.

Pivac’s aspect, champions in 2021, have been consigned to fifth this 12 months in consequence.

‘A whole lot of the criticism that has come our means has been justified with 36 defeats in a row, however folks actually cannot say that now which is agreeable for us,’ mentioned Italy head coach Kieran Crowley.

‘We have grown quite a bit on this Six Nations and the gamers now may have confidence and perception. We now have to construct on this now and ensure it is not a one-off outcome.’