Wales vs Italy Review – Six Nations 2026
Wales 31 – 17 Italy
They’ve finally done it – the Six Nations losing streak has been broken as Wales have a new benchmark for their performances going forward. Compared to their spotty win against Japan last summer and their narrow victory against the same opponent in the autumn, this was a more dominant display as Wales had the edge over Italy for most of the game and of the starting XV, few made any real errors at all. After showing such signs of development in the games against Scotland and Ireland, Wales have proven that they have the quality to compete in the Six Nations, and they are that much closer to finding their strongest XV and climbing back into the top 10 in the world rankings.
If you’d seen the previous two games, you’d have a pretty solid idea of who Wales’ best performers were. Overall, they matched Italy in most areas of the game; similar possession, territory, carries made, discipline. But on defence, they had little trouble repelling Italy’s attack as they made 88% of their tackles, notably more than Italy’s 81%. Menoncello and Brex had their work cut out for them trying to manage Wales’ carrying threats, but with a much less experienced centre partnership, Wales contained the centrefield defence a lot more than usual, and attacked well from all areas of the field as they beat a lot more defenders (27 vs 18).
Next up will be the Nations Championship in July, and given how far Wales have come, they’ll fancy their chances against Fiji and Japan at home, and possibly Australia. Compared to the autumn, they’re vastly improved defence will be tested against the familiar opponents of Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa, especially with their new defence coach on the way. It’ll be a similar step-by-step rate of improvements, but Wales are generally on the up after an overall successful Six Nations campaign.
Player Ratings:
1: Rhys Carré: 7
Ended his try-scoring rate, but overall a strong showing from the big man. Celebrated a cleanly won turnover, though Wales’ scrum struggled later in the game.
2: Dewi Lake: 8
Some of his persistent lineout troubles came back in, but that was the only thing holding him back from a 9; Lake only played 44 minutes, yet was a strong contender for MotM as he topped the carrying charts and tackled relentlessly. A brilliant end after such an awkward start, Lake has firmly re-established himself as a world class hooker.
3: Tomas Francis: 6
Got through 37 minutes before being forced off. Francis didn’t really do much in that time beyond the scrum, though against Danilo Fischetti, that’s certainly an achievement; Wales’ setpiece had a lot more issues when he left.
4: Dafydd Jenkins: 7
Generically great workrate from Jenkins, though he made a few errors to hold him back. Missed 2, made 12, which isn’t a bad showing but not at his usual standard. Jenkins is great when Wales need to weather the storm, but Italy’s attack weren’t quite as competitive as past opponents, so he was needed less. Other teammates had bigger showings.
5: Ben Carter: 8
Did a great Adam Beard impression, in a complimentary way. Going for a maul inside their own 22 aside, Wales’ strong maul from the second Gatland era returned as Carter put in a great shift at both the setpiece and around the park. Not too many tackles, but some strong carries to help get Wales moving forward.
6: Alex Mann: 6
Like Jenkins, Wales were far enough ahead where Mann’s workrate was less noteworthy. Conceded some frustrating penalties, but stayed strong in the lineout.
7: James Botham: 9
Hard done by to not be considered for MotM; even with a slight possession majority, Botham made the most tackles with 15, 0 missed, and 3 dominant, plus a turnover. His try-saving intervention further demonstrated his tremendous workrate, even when Wales’ defence switched off a little towards the end. Jac Morgan will take back the jersey upon his return, but Botham will push for the 6 jersey or the bench spot; either way, he’s brilliantly recemented his place in the 23.
8: Aaron Wainwright: 9
Wales player of the tournament by some distance, Waino continued his form with a deserved MotM performance. Hasn’t been his usual try-scoring force so far, but ended that drought with 2 quick and easy scores from the 22. Even with Faletau likely to return, it’ll be very hard to see Wainwright anywhere besides the 8 jersey, as his carrying threat was too much for the Italians time after time.
9: Tomos Williams: 8
Much better, as his kicking relieved pressure from Wales constantly. His leadership doesn;t seem to be at Lake’s level, as Wales generally relaxed a lot when the latter left. But with Morgan still to return, that should take the pressure off him as his game control helped keep the Welsh attack going.
10: Dan Edwards: 8
More than made his case to start over Costelow. Edwards may not possess his rival’s defence and game control, but his sheer confidence to aim for drop goals under pressure or score tries himself makes him a unique attacking threat. Made up for his quieter showings earlier in the tournament, and his partnership with Williams looked a lot stronger.
11: Josh Adams: 8
Speaking of making up for quiet showings. Adams couldn’t quite get the best of Louis Lynagh in the air, but made up for it with one of his best carrying showings in years. Beat 6 defenders in 8 carries, and constantly asked questions of the Italian defence.
12: Joe Hawkins: 7
Defensively still has some work to do, as he made 6 and missed 2, but on attack has really evolved his carrying threat. Tandy will likely persist with the Hawins/James partnership going forward, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the Scarlets do the same.
13: Eddie James: 7
Quieter than usual, though on attack his showings were very positive. Also didn’t miss any tackles, unlike Hawkins, which is certainly impressive given the quality of his opposition.
14: Ellis Mee: 8
Also hard done by not to be considered for MotM. Mee should now be Wales’ first choice winger if Rees-Zammit remains at fullback, as his pace and aerial ability can seriously push opposition defences. But it’s his quick-thinking that sets him apart, with his clearance kick to deny Italy a score in the opening half and his consistency with beating defenders that prove he is ready for international rugby.
15: Louis Rees-Zammit: 7
His best showing at fullback so far, though maybe needs to close out the season for Bristol before truly making it his best position. Struggles in defence, but his kicking tested Italy and works well with his pace, as he can easily chase his own kicks and force opponents to make fast decisions which may not always be the right ones.
BENCH
16: Ryan Elias: 7
Strong in Lake’s absence, though less impactful overall. Should keep this jersey as his physicality is hard to match.
17: Nicky Smith: 8
The main scrum threat of this Welsh side, Smith comfortably held on in the setpiece and around the park as the team around him fell off. Probably won’t push Carré for a starting spot as both are different kinds of props, but looks comfortable in this role.
18: Archie Griffin: 5
Strong workrate in defence, but not his best. Carded for collapsing Italy’s maul and cost Wales at scrumtime. Assiratti should come back in for the summer, though Griffin has the advantage against the other tightheads for the third tighthead spot.
19: Adam Beard: 5
Beard, meanwhile, is under a lot more threat as his bench impact doesn’t actually seem to impact the game in a notable way, especially when Jenkins and Carter are playing so well. Teddy Williams, Freddie Thomas, and Rhys Davies just have much higher workrates and offer unique advantages that Beard does not, despite his experience. Needs a good showing for Montpellier in the meantime.
20: Olly Cracknell: N/A
Victim of Tandy’s timid bench usage. Could come under threat then Faletau and Plumtree return from injury.
21: Kieran Hardy: N/A
At least he hit the field this time. Actually made the highest number of tackles per minute, which is funny.
22: Jarrod Evans: 6
Given a score as his awkward kick to touch didn’t really take away pressure from the Italian attack. Not much else.
23: Blair Murray: N/A
Recurring theme here. Murray could do a lot of work in such a role when Tandy actually figures out what to do with his bench.
Wales’ Best Performers of Six Nations 2026 – Tier List
Elite – Aaron Wainwright, Rhys Carré
Excellent – Dewi Lake, Alex Mann, Eddie James, Dafydd Jenkins, Ben Carter, Sam Costelow
Great – Tomos Williams, Dan Edwards, Nicky Smith, Tomas Francis, Ellis Mee, Joe Hawkins, Louis Rees-Zammit
Decent – Ryan Elias, Josh Adams, Olly Cracknell, Jarrod Evans, Harri Deaves, Josh Macleod
Barely Showed up – Liam Belcher, Freddie Thomas, Kieran Hardy, Mason Grady, Louie Hennessey, Blair Murray
Some Clear Work-ons – Taine Plumtree, Gabriel Hamer-Webb
Poor – Adam Beard, Ben Thomas
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