Welsh Wonders Dominate, Setting Stage for Epic Upcoming Stages!

Wales' win in Italy was their only success of the 2023 Six Nations [Rex Features] That none of Wales' scorers from their last Six Nations victory will be on the field against Italy this Saturday shows how much has changed since their win in Rome on this date in 2023. Steve Tandy's men suffered a 15th straight loss in the tournament last weekend despite a spirited and physical showing against Ireland in Dublin. Points difference means they are highly unlikely to avoid a third wooden spoon on the bounce, even if they beat Italy with a bonus on Saturday and England have a pointless trip to Paris.

But Wales are desperate for a win to prevent the losing streak going into the 2027 championship, which starts with away assignments in France and Scotland. It has been nothing but Welsh misery since a 29-17 win at the Stadio Olimpico three years ago and a lot has changed. A wealth of experience gone Wales won in Rome when full-back Liam Williams, wing Rio Dyer and number eight Taulupe Faletau crossed to go along with a penalty try and eight points from fly-half Owen Williams.

The side featured captain and hooker Ken Owens, flanker Justin Tipuric and hooker Scott Baldwin, who have retired from professional rugby. Full-back Williams, George North and Rhys Webb are no longer on the Test stage with the latter retiring from Test rugby before the 2023 World Cup and subsequently being banned from playing for four years for a doping violation in France.. Nine of the matchday squad that lined up in Rome are in the current squad – full-back Louis Rees-Zammit, wing Josh Adams, centres Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins, scrum-half Tomas Williams, loose-head prop Gareth Thomas, tight-head Tomas Francis, locks Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard.

Flanker Jac Morgan and number eight Faletau are injured while wing Dyer and open-side Tommy Reffell were overlooked. Wales legends Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny were dropped for the fixture three years ago while fly-half Dan Biggar missed out due to a back injury. The 2023 squad had a core of experienced international performers while just six of Steve Tandy's matchday 23 in Dublin were Test half-centurions.