Wales came back from trailing at halftime to beat Italy 33-7 in a second half showing that included three tries in Rome. They came close to a fourth, what would have been a bonus point try, but were denied when Liam Williams was ruled to have lost the ball on the tryline.
Following 18 points from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny and tries to Jonathan Davies and Liam Williams, replacement Sam Davies put George North away for a long range sprint late in the game.
“We had to fight for every inch but we’re happy in the end,” North said after the game.
“They are a very passionate team like ourselves and always front up. Towards the latter end we backed ourselves and I think it showed, the holes came.
“In the first half the weather came down pretty hard before the warm-up. We knew it would be a tight game anyway with the passion they bring.
“Unfortunately we lost Bigs (Dan Biggar) to an injury but Sam came on and showed the form he’s had for the Ospreys. The link between him, Scott and Foxy was beautiful.
“It’s what I can do for the team as well. We put our best foot forward and it’s about going on.”
While Wales will have been delighted with the away win, they will have rued missing out on a crucial bonus point, especially after having come some close at the final whistle.
*now updated with official extended highlights
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