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Wales U20 frustrated by powerful Italians


March 10, 2018 - 1157 views

Italy produced a hugely impressive defensive display to claim an historic first Six Nations U20 win over Wales, and end a run of 20 straight defeats in the tournament, in wet and windy conditions at Colwyn Bay.

The visitors' towering pack saw them build an eight-point lead heading into the interval at Stadiwm Zip World, but an early second-half try from Tommy Rogers gave the hosts hope of bouncing back. However, despite two yellow cards during the second half, the Italians went on to extend their lead thanks to a try from hooker Matteo Luccardi and the boot of outside-half Antonio Rizzi.

It was the Italians who came racing out of the blocks, bringing a physical edge to the opening stages, which saw them take the lead with only six minutes on the clock. Antonio Rizzi opted to kick for the corner from a penalty outside the Wales 22, and the resulting line-out saw Michele Mancini Parri dot down from the back of a rampant drive.

The hosts looked to hit back immediately, as a Ben Jones kick found touch inside the Italian 22 from a penalty, giving his side their first attacking opportunity. Owen Lloyd secured the lineout, and Jones looked for wing Joe Goodchild with an ambitious cross-field kick.

Read the report in full on the WRU website.