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Gatland reflects on Italian victory

Gatland reflects on Italian victory

Warren Gatland admitted the Welsh dressing room was a “quiet and frustrated” place after his side’s Grand Slam dreams had stayed on course with a 24-3 home win over Italy.

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The victory by 21 points included tries from Jamie Roberts and Alex Cuthbert, but runaway favourites Wales only led 9-3 at the break and took 50 minutes to score their first try.

“The man with the whistle didn’t make it was for us and was pretty pedantic. We couldn’t get any quick ball,” admitted Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

“With a team with that much possession the penalty count shouldn’t have been 13. The Yellow Card was pretty tough as well – Leigh jumped for the ball and not to take the player out.

“The boys are a bit flat in the dressing room but we are happy with having four wins from four. They wanted to score some points today and that’s why they are frustrated – the game turned into a dog fight.”

But despite the frustration at only scoring two tries, Wales will be shooting for an 11th Grand Slam next week when Rugby World Cup runners-up France come to Cardiff for a game that will replicate the World Cup semi-final in Auckland earlier in the season.

“We have got a chance of completing a third Grand Slam in eight season. We are at home again next week and we will try to keep our heads down – if we do achieve a Grand Slam it will be a bit special,” said Gatland.

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