03/14/26 01:48:00
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03/14 13:46 CDT Wales end three-year Six Nations drought by blowing away Italy
in Cardiff
Wales end three-year Six Nations drought by blowing away Italy in Cardiff
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) --- Wales tasted Six Nations success for the first time in
1,099 days after blowing away Italy 31-17 in Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The growing confidence from recent narrow losses against Scotland and Ireland
spilled over into an unexpected and dominant bonus-point win, Wales' first in
the championship since March 2023 when it beat Italy in Rome.
Wales was physical, direct and ruthless, leading 21-0 by halftime then 31-0
before Italy scored.
The Welsh scramble defense was also impressive as Italy had two tries ruled
out, one held up, and another saved by an ankle tap.
While Wales ended the nightmare of a national record 15-match losing streak in
the Six Nations, it was expected to finish with a third consecutive wooden
spoon depending on fifth-placed England's result against France in the late
match in Paris.
Italy was seeking a third successive win in Cardiff and an historic third win
in a single championship after beating Scotland and England, but it was beaten
up at the breakdown, lost its composure, and missed 30 tackles.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
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