“Overwhelmed with pride”- Steve Tandy and Dewi Lake reacts to Wales ending losing streak
Rugby NewsSunday, 15 March 2026 at 10:26
Wales concluded their 2026 Six Nations with a stunning 31-17 victory over Italy at a raucous Principality Stadium.
Player of the Match Aaron Wainwright claimed a brace, whilst Dewi Lake also scored. In one of his best performances for Wales, Dan Edwards scored 16 points, which included a marvellous drop-goal and try.
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Following a brutal start to the campaign, Wales have shown encouraging signs after conceding 102 points against England and France.
Scroll down for Ruck Rugby’s five talking points from the joyful post-match press conference.
1- “Massive pride”- Tandy’s immediate reaction to second win as Wales head coach
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tandy said: “Massive pride within the group.
It was only Tandy’s second win as Wales head coach, and Wales’ third since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Despite his side still claiming a third consecutive wooden spoon, as they finished the championship in sixth spot.
“Seeing what they did within the game. The crowd were unbelievable.
“That connection to our nation is massive, and the boys responded to it. It’s a massive emotional day for us.
“It’s been a long time coming, winning in the Six Nations, so I’m overwhelmed with pride.
“We asked for a performance, and we felt that if we got a performance, we’d get the result. The boys really did that today.”
2- “I am overjoyed”- Lake's reaction to Italy win
The pure joy on the faces of Dewi Lake and Tandy was so evident, and the incredible ovation that followed the final whistle showcased how much this one win means.
It ended the run of 15 straight losses in the tournament, which stretched back to facing Italy in Rome in March 2023.
“We hope we have restored some faith in the jersey and into what this group can do,” Wales captain Dewi Lake added.
“I am overjoyed for the boys because of how hard they have worked. That performance sums up how we have grown in the last two to three weeks.
“The scoreline was similar to half-time against Scotland, and to come out and score first, to never give up on the moment, to stay switched on and stay in every play shows how we have learned.
“That was a performance we have built towards, and this group deserves it massively.
“We have gone through a lot of emotionally tough things recently, whether that is on the field or off it.”
3- Aaron Wainwright’s best yet?
Dragons’ Wainwright, despite being an injury concern in the week, put in a remarkable display and deservedly earned his Player of the Match accolade.
On the Leicester Tigers-bound players' performance, Tandy added: “He’s a fantastic player.
“We were concerned last week after he had a bump. But I’ve never seen him so focused. Even though there was a bit of doubt, he said he was playing.
“There’s a lot of leading with performance. The skipper has been brilliant over the last six weeks.
“The way he’s integrating with referees, the way he’s learning constantly around his leadership.
“Real good leaders play well. He does that. He doesn’t miss a minute in training. He wants to keep getting better.”
4- “Outstanding”- Tandy highlights Edwards’ impact
There’s been a number of question marks surrounding Edwards this Six Nations, and rightly so. He hasn’t been good enough when he’s played.
Against Italy, however, the narrative was completely different. He’s built back into the ten jersey and done so confidently.
It was much improved and was possibly the best of his international career. That confidence was also evident following slotting a remarkable, drop-goal from impressive distance.
“Outstanding,” added Tandy on the 22-year-old’s positive outing.
“There are certain positions where we’re getting a little bit more competitive, which is exciting. Sam Costelow did brilliantly against Scotland, but unfortunately, he had an injury.
“Then Dan has taken his opportunity. It’s brilliant for Dan.
“For us to accelerate this to become a better team, we need competition in positions. We’re getting that, if not the depth of caps. The more we create competition, it’s brilliant.
“That drop goal from Dan. You are probably thinking ‘what are you doing?’ And he absolutely buries it.”
5- Wales end 2026 Six Nations on a high
Wales started the tournament on the back foot, but after positive performances against Scotland and Ireland, they had shown significant progress in those narrow defeats.
It was a first home Six Nations triumph for Wales since putting aside Scotland in February 2022. 1,491 days ago on Saturday that was. Yet another box ticked since Warren Gatland departed midway through last year’s tournament.
But the debate and discussion throughout the week at Wales’ training base, where coaches and players were questioned about the contest, centred on whether Wales wanted a performance or a win.
With that said, Tandy and his back room had both. “I know you think it’s talk, but I genuinely believe it’s about performance,” added the 46-year-old.
“Some of the group are growing with experience. We can get too far ahead of ourselves.
It’s focusing on what we do and what we do well. It’s transferring what we’re doing in training.
I know it’s hard with some of the results we’ve had. There are signs of what we’re doing.
“I genuinely believe if you get the performance, the result will follow.
“It’s a great day for us.”
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