The win also marked Warren Gatland’s first triumph since returning to the post he originally left in 2019, while it also meant Wales are now likely to avoid the Wooden Spoon.
HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE WILL YOU TAKE FROM THE WIN?
“I think it will be massive. I saw that today at times when we had fallen off a tackle or they’d made a break, I thought our scramble and how the boys got back and worked hard today for each other was one of the biggest highlights.
“The nice thing about the last two weeks is it has been the first time we’ve actually been able to concentrate on the rugby without other issues going on behind the scenes.
“There’s no doubt that’s made a difference to this group. We spoke before the game about being smart about how we wanted to play, but also being brave and taking those opportunities and moving the ball.
“I didn’t feel it was a game that we just had to win. I thought we deserved to win against an Italy team that is obviously improving. They’re the most athletic Italian side we’ve faced.”
SATISFIED WITH THE WIN?
“I was pleased to get the win. It’s nice to be sitting in the coaching box sort of going through the feeling that this game is going to go down to the wire. In fairness to the boys they scrambled well so I was pleased with the result.”
“We weren’t quite as accurate in the second half as we were in the first because we didn’t have as much ball. I think we deserved to win the game, but there are still a number of things to work on.
IMPROVEMENT NEEDED?
“I think defensively at times we were good. A number of players, and combinations, would have learned a lot from today’s experience.
“Joe Hawkins carried well in the midfield but we got caught a little bit defensively on a couple of occasions. It’s about just making some right decisions.
“There is a lot of growth with some of the youngsters in this team. They will learn from that and be better for it.”
RHYS WEBB’S RETURN?
“I thought his contribution was excellent in his decision making, not trying to force things, not trying too hard. His decision making controlled the game and he kicked well.
“When that opportunity arose he went through the gap and picked out Faletau for the try. He made the right call and that was a great contribution by him.
“He has not played at this level for a while, so we were always thinking about when we would need to make a change in terms of his legs and stuff.”
ANY INJURY WORRIES?
“Scott Baldwin has a pec injury which needs a scan which could potentially rule him out of next week. Liam Williams was a clavicle.
“Josh Adams had a slight knock to the knee. He carried on so he should be ok. It’s just a few guys banged up. Dan Biggar will be fine.”
