Llanelli (United Kingdom) (AFP)
Wales scrambled to defeat Italy 38-18 at Llanelli on Saturday in the fifth place match in the Autumn Nations Cup, a short-lived tournament created in the wake of the pandemic.
The XV du Leek had to wait until the 57th minute to definitively lead the Azzurri in scoring and take off by scoring five tries in total.
The Welsh, however, scored the first in the sixth minute through their scrum half Kieran Hardy, served just in front of the in-goal by the third row Justin Tipuric.
And the Red Dragons even quickly signed a second, on a ball carried flattened by Sam Parry (16th, 14-0).
But the Italians did not give up and came back within reach at the break (13-13) in particular thanks to a test from their center Marco Zanon served by a game at the bright foot of the other center Carlo Canna.
Before taking advantage of the Welsh numerical inferiority, following the yellow card of their winger Josh Adams (38th), to take the lead.
The third line Johan Meyer, found in the interval along the line, resisted two Welsh before flattening (48th, 19-18).
A ten minute advantage before conceding three tries from Gareth Davies (57th), George North (68th) and Justin Tipuric (75th).
Despite a reassuring performance - after its 36-5 defeat against a largely overhauled France team - Italy has not won a match on the field (the victory against Fiji was on the green carpet) since the World Cup 2019 and a 48-7 success against Canada.
© 2020 AFP