Wales too strong for Italy

By Mark Stevens
5/2/17

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis got the better of club-mate Michele Campagnaro as Wales kicked off their RBS Six Nations Championship campaign with a 33-7 win over Italy in Rome.

The tight-head featured for 30 minutes at the Stadio Olympicio, coming on for Samson Lee, as Rob Howley’s side produced a powerful second half showing to seal victory.

Jonathan Davies, Liam Williams and George North all scored tries for the visitors, all of which were converted by Leigh Halfpenny, who also kicked four penalties on the day.

Italy, meanwhile, introduced centre Campagnaro minutes after Francis had trotted onto the field, but he could do little to stop the visiting Welshman.

The home side’s only points came courtesy of a try from Edoardo Gori, which was converted by fly-half Carlo Canna.

Wales will now gear up for the visit of England to Cardiff this Saturday (4:50pm), while Italy will prepare to entertain Ireland in Rome on the same day (2:25pm)