Wales player ratings vs Italy as Steve Tandy's men ended their Six Nations losing streak with a bonus-point win in Cardiff.
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Wales finally brought their three-year Six Nations nightmare to an end in emphatic fashion, storming to a bonus-point victory over Italy in Cardiff.
It was a day to remember for Aaron Wainwright, with the number eight crashing over twice, while captain Dewi Lake also powered across the whitewash to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Fly-half Dan Edwards stole plenty of the spotlight, producing a standout display worth 16 points. The youngster crossed for a try of his own and even slotted a drop-goal as Wales surged into a commanding 31–0 lead.
Italy were left shell-shocked early on, but the visitors did mount a late response after the break. Replacement Tommaso di Bartolomeo, Tommaso Allan, and fly-half Paolo Garbisi all grabbed tries as the Azzurri attempted to salvage some pride in the second half.
Scroll down for the Wales player ratings vs Italy.
Wales: 31
- Tries: Wainwright (14', 25'), Lake (28'), D Edwards (43')
- Cons: D Edwards (15', 25', 29', 43')
- Pens: D Edwards (47')
Italy: 17
- Tries: Di Bartolomeo (51'), Allan (68'), Garbisi (80')
- Cons: Garbisi (52')
- Pens:
Wales player ratings vs Italy:
15. Louis Rees-Zammit — 7
Sides in the past feared the attacking threat the 25-year-old posed, but at full-back he ends his first Six Nations campaign back after leaving rugby union with more questions than answers. This time around, he made a number of dominant carries and looked like the Rees-Zammit of old.
Huge boost for Steve Tandy’s side moving forward.
14. Ellis Mee — 8
In all of his outings for Wales in the 2026 edition of the championship, Mee has shown great maturity and intelligence in the wide channels. Looking a lot stronger with ball in hand, and that was on show when he powerfully drove his way past Louis Lynagh.
He was also strong defensively around the breakdown area, when he turned over the ball brilliantly, which was the catalyst to Wales’ first score. His last heroic moment in the contest was a try-saving tackle on Monty Ioane moments from time in the corner.
13. Eddie James — 6.5
When looking at the positives from a third consecutive wooden spoon campaign for Wales, James has continuously shone a light on this campaign. The big ball-carrying centre showed his strength and questioned the defence of the Azzurri at times.
12. Joe Hawkins — 6
Unlike James, Hawkins’ strengths have come from offering an alternative in the back-line when attacking, with his rugby intelligence being a key strength with his handling. However, his standout moment came after nine minutes following a brilliant turnover, which relieved his side of pressure after an early onslaught from the visitors.
11. Josh Adams — 7.5
Now, it’s been a rollercoaster of a Six Nations for Adams, but over the final two rounds, he has shown signs of encouragement in the wide channels, something in which he’s been lacking. The 30-year-old was an injury concern early in the contest, after competing in the air against Lynagh.
Despite that, the winger made a much-needed tackle on Paolo Garbisi and was one of Wales’ main players in getting them over the gain line.
10. Dan Edwards — 9
If Costelow was fit, perhaps Edwards’ last contest of the campaign would have been against France, but despite that, he’s built back into the ten jersey. He’s had to. It was much improved and was possibly his best of his international career.
Deservedly crossed at the start of the second-half, which would have given him much-needed confidence. That confidence was also evident following slotting a remarkable, drop-goal from impressive distance.
9. Tomos Williams — 8
It’s been a tournament to forget for Williams, who hasn’t played at his best throughout. Still remains Wales’ best player in the position, but needed to make much more of an impact.
Following a dominant attacking start, the scrum-half was playing like he was prior to being selected for the British and Irish Lions tour.
When he plays at his best, so does Wales.
1. Rhys Carré — 7
May have come as a shock that Tandy did not employ the loose-head within the backline, following last Friday’s remarkable score against Ireland.
The big ball carrying prop, who’s got some serious pace and footwork, again showcased his skills early in the contest, getting his side over the gainline. He was eventually replaced by Nicky Smith after Carré played his longest match of the Six Nations.
2. Dewi Lake — 7.5
Lake talked about having a positive performance against Italy, and with that said, the hooker continued his impressive form following a nervy start to the tournament. However, it was a nervy start against Italy, especially when it came to his arrows at lineout time.
Apart from that, he crossed the whitewash before the 30-minute mark and was Wales’ main protagonist when in attack, as he made a number of crucial carries. Came as a shock to see the hooker replaced minutes into the second-half by Ryan Elias.
3. Tomas Francis — 6
The experienced tight-head, has had a quiet return to the international stage, but has been a real cornerstone in Wales’ scrum. That was a real strength from the Provence Rugby player again this afternoon, but he was also hugely beneficial in and around his side’s attack.
He went off before half-time, replaced by Archie Griffin, and Wales went down to 14 men in the middle stages of the third quarter after the Bath Rugby player was shown a yellow card.
4. Dafydd Jenkins — 7.5
What a tournament it’s been for Jenkins. One of Wales’ most dominant performers, and against Italy, it was no different for the 23-year-old. Another outstanding performance from the Exeter Chiefs player on both sides of the ball.
5. Ben Carter — 7
Once again, another positive outing for the Dragons RFC player, and game by game, is growing nicely into a seasoned international player. He was strong around the lineout, carried well and was a great asset for his side in attack, getting them over the gainline.
6. Alex Mann — 7
After cementing himself in the record books following a magnificent performance against Ireland, the Cardiff Rugby player once again was one of Wales’ standouts. Although he didn’t reach the heights of his performance in Dublin, he continued to show great strength. He was replaced minutes from time by Olly Cracknell after another positive showing.
7. James Botham — 7.5
Another quality operator at open-side, he has made selecting in the position even more difficult for head coach Tandy, following a strong finish to his campaign. He did a lot of the unseen work around the breakdown, but showed all the ingredients that should have had him wearing the shirt from the off.
8. Aaron Wainwright — 9
If there’s one player who probably could not wait for Christophe Ridley’s final whistle to blow, it was Wainwright, who has had a remarkable but at the same time bruising Six Nations.
A number of question marks surrounded the back-row player, whether he would play against Italy, and despite that, he still put in a solid display, perhaps his strongest yet. His afternoon was topped off when he crossed over twice after two powerful runs and claimed the Player of the Match award.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ryan Elias — 5.5
17. Nicky Smith — 6
18. Archie Griffin — 4
19. Adam Beard — 5
20. Olly Cracknell — 4
21. Kieran Hardy — 4
22. Jarrod Evans — 5
23. Blair Murray — 4
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Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
Surnames only will be accepted.
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