Welsh star states heavy defeats a thing of the past

Friday, 13 March 2026 at 18:00

byHarry Tovey

Let’s be honest, following two heavy defeats to kickstart their campaign, it looked like it was going to be a long first Six Nations as head coach for Steve Tandy. Heading into their clash against Italy, things are looking up for his Wales side.

It was looking like a pitiful mess for Wales, especially in defence. Looking at the numbers, in Tandy’s era, they have conceded almost 50 tries and over 300 points.

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His side conceded over half a century points against Argentina (52), New Zealand (52), and South Africa (73) in a rollercoaster type feel of an autumn international period.

It looked to be more of the same for Wales in the Six Nations, as they were thumped 48-7 by England at Allianz Stadium and easily put aside by France 54-14 at Principality Stadium.

Wales have struggled to get into contests, and it's due to their at times woeful defence. Sides were easily breaking through and advancing across the gain line.

But, against Scotland and Ireland, something seemed to have changed amongst Tandy’s side. They’ve conceded half as many points as the opening two encounters and have stayed in games for longer periods.

Wales have struggled to be competitive in recent memory, but those two matches have shown real improvement to a side who have gone 15 matches in the Six Nations without a win.

When questioned on whether heavy defeats will be a thing of the past for Wales moving forward, Tomos Williams added: “I think so.

“The performances have been a real step-up in the last two games. Physically, and putting in some really decent shots.

“The last two games, the performances have been a lot better, but we would have liked the results as well.

“Plenty of positives and we are heading in the right direction.”

Wales welcome Italy on Saturday afternoon (KO: 16:40) to the Welsh capital, as the Azzurri will aim to record a historical third victory in a Six Nations campaign.

They enter the contest following a dramatic 23-18 first-ever win over England at Stadio Olimpico. “I watched bits of it,” added the Gloucester Rugby player on Steve Borthwick's side's third consecutive loss of the tournament,

“They (Italy) performed well, and their confidence is there. They’ve got a lot of big threats, especially in the centres, and the back row is good.

“They’ve got some dangerous boys out wide, and they look confident and strong. They look pretty physical, so we need to front up in that aspect.

“They’ve obviously improved in recent years. They are really competitive, especially this campaign.

“They’ve got some class players and have a got a good game plan that suits them. From game to game or campaign to campaign, it doesn’t take much (to turn things around).

“Momentum swings and confidence are a huge thing. They look confident at the moment, they back themselves and know what they’re doing. They’ve got a plan in place, and they’ve all bought into that.”

However, Wales’ last Six Nations victory came against Italy in Rome back in 2023. Since then, Italy have magnificently risen above Wales, and they enter the contest at the weekend favourites.

Tandy’s side is desperate to record a triumph as, due to points difference, they are very likely to claim their third consecutive wooden spoon, even if they are to end the drought of losses against Italy.

It’s been a sombering watch since that 29-17 win in the Italian capital for Wales, but Williams insists the national side is feeling in a good place ahead of their final game of the 2026 edition of the championship.

“It feels a lot better,” he said.

“It’s going to take a while for coaches to realise what boys are good at and what their strengths are.

“How boys react to stuff and want to play. Hopefully, now we’re starting to get a bit of familiarity with each other.

“You’re always going to build it towards the campaign and get a little bit better, but our target is to start strong in campaigns as well.”