Lacklustre Wales see off Italy, equal record win streak

Wales’ Owen Watkin in action in the match against Italy on Saturday – REUTERS

ROME, REUTERS: Wales struggled to overpower Italy 26-15 in the Six Nations on Saturday, notching up a record-equalling 11th straight victory to become the first Welsh team to enjoy such a win streak in over a century but failing to sparkle. 

Wales, who beat France in their opening match, dominated possession but scored only two tries in a performance unlikely causing many concerns for their next opponents, England. 

The visitors took 54 minutes to score their first try, when winger Josh Adams touched down, having shown too much respect to the home side in the first half when starting fly half Dan Biggar kicked four penalties. 

“If we play like that against England, it could be embarrassing,” Wales head coach Warren Gatland told ITV Sport, barely savouring the fact he had just steered the team to equal a Welsh record that was set from 1907-10. 

“But we won’t play like that,” he added. “There are lots of things we need to improve on for England.” Centre Jonathan Davies, who captained Wales for the first time, also seemed annoyed. 

“I think there was a lot of frustration,” Davies said, remarking that Wales had failed to generate enough points despite dominating territory and Italy giving up 11 penalties, almost twice the number handed to the visitors.