Ken Owens: Hard work paid off for Wales in Italy win

First-half tries from Rio Dyer, Liam Williams and a penalty try had put Wales in control in the first half as Italy were wasteful and full of indiscipline.

Sebastian Negri’s score straight after the break had threatened a comeback for the hosts, but two sin bin offences cost Italy dear as Toby Faletau put the game to bed for the Welsh midway through the second period.

Juan Ignacio Brex’s finished off a neat move to reduce the Italian’s arrears once more, but the Welsh showed fight and resilience to give coach Warren Gatland his first win in his second spell in charge.

One final match now remains, a daunting trip to Six Nations tournament holders France, fresh from their 53-10 demolition of England at Twikenham.

A game which Owen’s believes Wales can use to progress further as a team, before September’s World Cup.

“We will grow from this. We perhaps lacked a bit of confidence over the last couple of weeks. I felt though we were confident, patient and we problem solved,” explained Owens.

“The way we prepared over the last two weeks is everything we experienced out there. We knew how Italy were going to play.

“The boys were absolutely outstanding in prepping us for what to expect. Italy didn’t disappoint, we stuck to our game plan. 

“The first half was ideal in what we wanted to do. The second half early on they won some collusions and got some momentum, showing how good they are and how talented they are.

“Out there I thought we were in control. We had talked in the week about getting back to enjoying it and I thought we did that. 

“There’s been a lot going on in the last six or seven weeks on and off the field, but we worked hard. 

“Everyone has been in this group, it’s good to see the enjoyment and them working hard for each other when we’re under the pump, showing that bit of composure.

“We’ve just got to build from there and it’s going to be another challenge next week against France and obviously then leading on to the World Cup.

(Lead image: Profimedia)