By Lucky Maree
To say that Wales Rugby have not had a good time recently is a gross understatement. In fact, as a union, they’ve had one crisis after another.
It has been so bad that some fans have suggested that they might lose their match against Italy. Even if Italy appear to be as good as they can be under coach Kieran Crowley, Wales can’t lose. Can they?
After ten minutes Wales have scored a penalty and a try by Rio Dyer for a ten point lead. If ever Warren Gatland was going to smile, today is the day. He hasn’t yet, but he might.
Clearly, Italy have decided to run at Wales and while they don’t score the Wales defence looks like cracking. Except, Wales get a second try when Italy lose the ball forward and Liam Williams scores.
Six minutes before half time, the game drifts from exciting to academic when Italy suffers a yellow card and a penalty try. Wales are now leading by 19 points and there is still a full half to be played.
The Italians come out fighting at the beginning of the second half, taking the game to the Welsh. They score after two minutes through Sebastian Negri.
Wales respond with a brilliant try by eighthman Taulupe Faletau as the Italian forwards are caught napping and Wales again have 19 point lead.
Italy have a few runs at the Welsh line, and with 12 minutes to go, Ignacio Brex Juan scores, leaving the Italians 12 points and two tries behind. Italy needs a miracle, but a miracle seems out of reach.
Kieran Crowley will be happy about his side’s commitment, but will have to work on their conversion rate.
Beating Italy does not exactly mean Wales are going to win the World Cup, but a century of Welsh rugby tradition appears to have kicked in. For the sake of the game, may their recovery be swift and strong.
Italy (2 tries) 17-29 (4 tries) Wales.
Pictured above: Wales celebrating a try against Italy
Image source: Welsh Rugby Union
