Cheers and electric anticipation as Wales' historic day arrives!

Wales ended a six match losing streak by defeating Italy [Huw Evans Picture Agency] That was more like it. As rugby fans across Europe wake up on Sunday and reflect on the most dramatic Six Nations finale, decided by Thomas Ramos’ last-gasp kick that sealed the title for France, something is stirring at the other end of the table. Wales might have secured the Wooden Spoon for the third consecutive year, but on this occasion the campaign has ended with victory and hope.

A 31-17 home win for Wales against Italy in previous years would have been considered routine, perhaps even underwhelming. It proved anything but at a rocking Principality Stadium on Saturday evening as head coach Steve Tandy said he was overwhelmed. Some would say it was worth the wait, others would say it is just one victory and beating Italy in Cardiff should be the norm, but winning for Wales has been the exception in the past three years.

Wales had not tasted a Six Nations success since 11 March 2023 - 15 games and 1,099 days ago - when they won in Rome. There had already been green shoots of recovery in defeats by Scotland and Ireland - and Wales produced the performance nearly 70,000 fans inside Principality Stadium had craved to register a first Six Nations home win since February 2022. Or 1,491 days.

Those statistics can now be consigned to history. "We were back at home in front of an amazing crowd who have supported us through tough times," said captain Dewi Lake. "We just hope this was something we could give back to them.