Harri Deaves has been named man of the match. He’s been superb
Joe Hawkins of Wales is tackled by Mattia Ferrarin and Lorenzo Cannone of Italy.
71 mins Wales 25 Italy 8 – What a kick from Costelow to extend Wales’ lead. This is a masterclass from the Wales playmaker.
68 mins – Wales 22 Italy – Guess who? Another great kick from Costelow
65 mins – Wales 19 Italy 8 – Terrific option from Costelow who takes the option of a drop goal to extend Wales’ lead back to 11.
55 mins – Wales 16 Italy 8 – The Italians cut the deficit with a penalty while Harri Deaves is sent to the sin bun
51 mins – Wales 16 Italy 5 – Costelow extends Wales’ lead to 11 points with a brilliantly taken penalty.
Lewys Jones replaces Nathan Evans in the Wales front-row.
A strong start to the half by Wales who look far more threatening in attack but the Italian defence is proving difficult to brake.
The second-half is underway
Wales drive towards the Italian line and are awarded a penalty try
HALF-TIME – Wales 13 Italy 5
39 mins – Wales 13 Italy 5 – Costelow with another penalty. Wales are finally finding their rhythm with scrum-half Harri Williams and openside flanker Harri Deaves outstanding.
25 mins – Wales 10 Italy 5 – A straightforward penalty from Sam Costelow extends Wales’ lead after a period of sustained pressure from the hosts.
18 mins – PENALTY TRY – Wales 7 Italy 5 – Wales shove Italy over their own line with a driving lineout which results in a penalty try.
15 mins – TRY Italy who power over the line from short range with Aion Neculai claiming the try
It’s a yellow card each for both Wales and Italy with Garyn Phillips and Lorenzo Cannone going off.
Wales captain Alex Mann returns to the field of play.
Things get heated with a scuffle on the floor. It’s clear this game means a lot to both sides.
Wales are forced into an early blood replacement with captain Alex Mann coming off for Tristan Davies.
Some early pressure from the Italian pack who have a very powerful driving lineout in their armoury.
KICK-OFF
Both teams are on the pitch ready for the national anthems.
Italy have won the coin toss ahead of kick-off
This will be Wales under 20s’ first game since March 2020 and they will be looking to follow in the footsteps of both Ireland and England respectively who got the Six Nations campaigns off to winning starts today.
This will be Ioan Cunningham’s first game as Wales under 20s head coach. The former Scarlets forwards coach won the PRO12 back in 2017 and is a high quality replacement for Gareth Williams who has stepped up to the senior side.
Wales Head Coach Ioan Cunningham.
