Wales v Italy Six Nations Rugby

Days of friendship, of passing the time, days of cordial respect, or

not so cordial. Days of fixing the focus, chewing the fat. Talking the

talk. Days of tightening the knot, taking the shot, saying she's. These

days are done. It is that time of year again, great

players, great teams, and great cities. Our opening weekend takes is

to -- takes us back to Dublin, Cardiff and Parisse. They will be

offered less than half an hour. Everybody is saying this is the most

open Championship for years. Jeremy Guscott is part of our team. You go

along with that? Yes, every year it is more competitive. He would have

thought France would finish bottom last season? In 2014, the three

teams that have three home games, Wales, France and Ireland will be

near the top with England challenging, and England -- Italy

and Scotland holding up the bottom. And we say it every year, you have

to get off to a good start, because the Championship can be gone before

it is started. How important and how tough start is it for England? Very

tough. They would rather be in Wales's position. They were here two

years ago and they wouldn't. Three of their try scorers not on the

side. But the squad is thinking well, behaving well, and the

training I saw this week is good. They are confident. France against

England kicks off at 5pm. We are back here in Paris at 4:30pm. But

first we go to Cardiff, 46 weeks on from that momentous finale.

But -- welcome to the madness. England looking for the grandson,

Wales with a chance to take the title. Over she does. England are on

the board. You can hear the crunch from here. The tackling is

absolutely brutal. I am just out of breath watching this! What a game!

The first try of the game. The lead stretches out. He knew it, he turned

away. Oh, my word. Sam Warburton storms away. The correct Tom Wales

are storming to the title. It is turning into a race. The title goes

to Wales. That was the drama at the end of the

last Six Nations in Cardiff. The crowd is gathering today hoping for

the same again. Italy has been winning over France and Ireland

under coach Jacques Brunel. Wales arrived at the Millennium Stadium in

chaos in the domestic game, with players leaving for France in

big-money deals, but the national side are still winning titles and a

Batman. -- under that man. It is six years since Warren Gatland came to

Welsh rugby. Wales are hoping to become the first side to win 36

Nations in a row. A wonderful atmosphere at the Millennium

Stadium. Welcome to Cardiff, the home of the defending champions. Eg

you think will win the Six Nations this year? We want to hear from you.

You can go to our online rugby pages and have your say. We will announce

the boat at half-time. Vote closes 30 minutes into this match. You can

do it on Twitter, and on our website. I'm joined today by

Jonathan Davies, Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones. Ryan Jones is a man

accustomed to lifting this trophy, he did it in 2008 and in 2013. What

is it like lifting that Rosie? It is absolutely magical. To stand up

there as captain of Wales and lift the trophy in front of the home fans

is something very difficult to put into words. It is fantastic. Is it

heavy? Yes, but I am strong! Can Wales make it three in a row? I

believe they can. They have had a wonderful two weeks' preparation. On

the back of our advantage of last year, we have a squad littered with

world-class individuals who will be bolstered by the confidence of last

year. Martyn Williams, good afternoon. Wales got off to a slow

start this year. Will that happen this year? Ireland blew them away in

the first 40 minutes last year. Italy pose a different threat, they

are much more physical upfront and don't have a back side. Wales were

slow starting off in the Championship, with one win in five

or six tournaments. I can't see that happening today. They will not be

complacent. Happy New Year, Jonathan Davies. Yet again, incredible

atmosphere here in the Millennium Stadium. Do you detect a different

atmosphere here? We were here for the Ireland's defeat last year.

There was an error trepidation. They were under pressure from the autumn,

and the wind was what they were after. They could have won that

game. Their second half was incredible and they created a lot of

opportunities and did not finish it. That second-half performance

gave them the confidence to go on and win the Championship. The

Italians today are in a transitional period. They have been struggling.

Jonathan Davies is coming back into fitness, and the centres will have

to perform. The Welsh backline, it is significantly larger than the

Italians' . The back three, and the centre, they could cause huge

problems for the Italians. Jonathan, you are going to the commentary

box. I want to ask you this question, because many viewers will

want to know. The Welsh Rugby Union and the rugby regions are at

loggerheads over the control of the game in Wales. What is your view on

Sam Warburton? He is now centrally contracted by the Welsh Rugby

Union. Is that a right move or a wrong move? It is difficult to say.

You do not really know what the situation is. As a rugby player, I

wanted to train and play with my team-mates. At the moment, he is in

limbo. If they had gone to the regions and said, we will take one

player from every region, that is fair for everyone. But because of

the lack of trust between Rugby Union and the regions, that was a

no-go. For everyone's sake, I hope it is sorted out, because it is an

absolute shambles and an embarrassment. Having been in and

around the camp in the last couple of weeks, I believe this has been

put to one side. These players are focused on what they can control.

They are all geared to play national rugby and very proud of having that

honour. What goes on off the field will still be around in nine weeks,

and then it can be addressed. For this group of 30 individuals, they

are focused on making history. You could go your whole career without

that opportunity, but these guys have a wonderful opportunity that no

team has ever had. Thank you very much. We will be joined by Carlo Del

father in a moment. 54 caps for Italy. We hear now from Sergio

Parisse say. I am Sergio Parisse and I am the

leader. Definitely a difficult beginning, giving too much away. If

you can't go in and beat Wales and France, we will not be happy, but it

is really difficult. At the same time, we beat France, we beat Wales

in Rome, and there is a difference between those -- us and the big

nations. The big nations can play well week by week, it doesn't matter

if you play at home or away. Our objective is to become a big team,

so the challenge for us is to try to be competitive during the Six

Nations. Especially when we play away from Rome.

At the heart of the action yet again.

We start to play in another kind of way, especially when Jacques

Brunel, our coach, arrived in Italy, we wanted to involve our backs in

the game. We saw good rugby in the last Six Nations. We showed that we

were not just focused on playing the scrum and a boring game! We got to

play more dynamic rugby, so the idea this year is to continue to devour

and continue to score tries. Lots of people ask if Italy deserves a place

in the Six Nations, and I am proud and happy to say that we have shown

to everyone that we have a good place in the Six Nations and we

deserve to play, because we have shown that we can be competitive.

Here is the skipper. Fantastic! What a start for Italy! I would really

like to see the matches of Wales, the Millennium Stadium is my

favourite stadium. I am really looking forward to playing our first

match. It is really precious to play there.

Sergio Parisse, what a terrific competitor. Happy memories for you?

2004 was when you made your Italy debut. I have mixed memories. It was

a great experience getting your first international cap, especially

in a stadium like this. But the scoreline did not reflect that. It

was a fantastic experience. I think Martyn Williams was going to say, it

was a 40-10 win for Wales! But we just looked at Sergio Parisse.

Let's talk about him briefly. How important is he? When he wasn't in

that Italian side last year in Rome, there was a big difference. He came

back against Ireland in that final game and was incredible. He is

immense. As far as the leader of the team, the amount of work he gets

through during the week, motivating and organising the team, getting

things in place, that is amazing. He is almost part of the coaching staff

come but he is close to the players and is a great motivator. And

Tommaso Allan, an interesting story, this. He has Italian and Scottish

parentage, played for Scotland under 20s, and Jacques Brunel has broken

into the deep end today. the options he has, you have other players

there, and what he brings is a mix of skills. He knows when to kick and

when to run. He is 20 years old, so you have a coach is looking at

moulding somebody into somebody can use as a weapon in the future. And

further evidence of Jacques Brunel's commitment. He has talked

about being bowled in the attacking game. That is why he has chosen

somebody like Tommaso Allan. He has good distribution skills and he is

looking at getting youngsters coming through from the academies, people

who can exploit the space when it is their and play a more expansive

game. They can bring a bit of dynamism to the team.

Take us through the team that Jacques Brunel has gone for?

Starting in the front row today is Michele Rizzo, along with

Castrogiovanni. Marco Bortolami makes his 100th

appearance for Italy. Alessandro Zanni is playing his 56th

consecutive test. He is often referred to as Robocop occurs of his

high work rate! The new combination of Alberto Sgarbi and Michele

Campagnaro are in midfield. Angelo Esposito makes his first appearance.

Wales will have a tough afternoon taking on not only Italy but also

Robocop! Let's hear from Wales coach Warren Gatland.

How does it feel to be back in the thick of it after your sabbatical?

It feels great. The team won the championship last year and we have

got a chance to create history in terms of three championships in a

row. It has never been done before. Such a nice way to come to the

campaign. The row between the unions and

regions have been well documented. How confident are you that you can

put it to one side and it will not affect Wales' chanters? We have not

even spoken about it. It is out of our control and the players'

controlled. I have not heard rumours or whisperings about it. All we can

do is control the controllable is, and that is going out, training hard

and hopefully performing well today. It is well documented and hopefully

will be sorted out in the next few months and then we can move forward.

I have been here for six years now and nothing has changed in that

whole time, it has been one row after another. It would be nice to

have some peace at some stage. Interesting comments from Warren

Gatland. What a job he has done for Welsh rugby. Wherever you look

interesting, there are big names, Test match winners. Non-so big as

Adam Jones whose place is under pressure for the first time.

The second row goes back to the 2011 World Cup combination. Alun Wyn

Jones, how he keeps turning up these performances, I don't know. A great

week for Dan Lydiate, he became a father for the first time. Justin

Tipuric is on fire at the moment. Rhys Priestland has got the nod this

week ahead of Dan Biggar, he needs to repay the faith. The size of

these guys, Scott Williams, the form player at the moment, and Jamie

Roberts, back from injury. The back three, you don't need to say much

about these three. George North one of the best in the world at

finishing. Leigh Halfpenny, not many awards left for him to win. An

unbelievable back three. Leigh Halfpenny was the player of the

tournament last year and one of -- and runner-up of the BBC sports

personality of the year. When I started, as a kid, playing

rugby, the support I had from my family was incredible, you know?

Coming down on Sunday mornings to watch us play. I loved it. When I

was seven years old, one of my mates I went to school with set, I am

going to rugby training, you can come along. So I did. Matchstick

legs, wasn't it? ! The sinister legs you have ever seen! But fast. That

makes all the difference. He first joined when he was seven. As soon as

he was on the field, he was different. Instantly, you saw that

he was special. You get to the age where you are playing a full-sized

page and need a kick on the team and I always wanted to be a kicker. I

thought, I will have to start practising. He gradually got better

and better and better, and his practising, the time he puts in,

with him and his grandfather, is phenomenal. I remember running out

into the road, you could hear the brakes squealing! I remember they

were making abusive remarks. The ball coming at the windscreen as

they were driving along! You would not be too happy, would you? He

developed at a normal pace and he didn't quite hit the spot until

nearly 16. Things just went on from there, then. I never forget having a

text message one day after training with rumours that I was picked in

the Welsh squad. Kicking duties have gone to the new

cap, 19-year-old Leigh Halfpenny. That was a moment I have always

dreamt of, kicking for Wales. When I saw the ball go through the past, I

was -- it was a very, very proud moment that I will never forget.

After the match, my grandad said he could die a happy man. You never

forget where you come from. I still see myself down here as one of the

boys. Bonjour! I spend my spare time down here, close to the people that

have supported me all through my career will stop without them, I

wouldn't be where I am today. I will never forget that.

He is such a nice guy, Leigh Halfpenny. You can see more of that

on the Get Inspired website, and information about how to play at

your local club. You could be kicking the British and Irish Lions

to glory 20 years from now, you could be the next Leigh Halfpenny!

What more is there to say about Leigh Halfpenny? And incredible

competitor. He is a wonderful, wonderful rugby player. You know

when you are walking down the tunnel with a player that the rest of the

rugby world would give their left arm to have in their team. A

generation ago when Shane Williams was with us, now we have another

matchwinner in Leigh Halfpenny. You have young kids playing rugby in

Wales wanting to be the next Leigh Halfpenny. He is a down-to-earth

superstar, and he is a superstar, you can't go anywhere in Wales. And

he still works as hard as he have have. You have been in the Italian

side, Carlo. What is it like, waiting for the stadium to erupt?

Once you walk down the tunnel, you realise the atmosphere that is

waiting for you as you get out. You feel the heat of the pyrotechnics,

you hear the stadium erupted, and you realise you will be in for a

battle. I don't know where you are watching this rugby match today, but

I can tell you the atmosphere here in the Millennium Stadium is just

incredible, and, Ryan, you have been in this position many times. Alun

Wyn Jones, the captain of Wales today. What is it like to walk

through the tunnel to 70,000 people? You come down the tunnel,

you are faced with a wall of noise and colour, and a wall of

expectation. The pyrotechnics go off, physically you are on edge. The

fireworks going off. Emotionally and psychologically, a real, real edge.

These guys are ready for battle now. You can feel the passion, the

intensity, and I get the killing there is expectation on their

shoulders now. The fans are used to success. Yes, but they know it will

be a tough game. You may be able to see the Italian players wearing

black armbands. It has been a week of tragedy for Italian rugby. And

under 24 academy player died in a car crash last Saturday. Many of his

team-mates were playing in the under 26 tournament last night. In a

separate tragedy, the man in charge of the under 20 is a wee team also

died this week they heart attack so the Italians are wearing black

armbands and there will be a minutes silence here today in memory of

them. It has been a week of tragedy for Italian rugby and they will now

be remembered here at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the home of the

defending champions will . A tragic week for Italian rugby,

immaculately observed by the crowd at the Millennium Stadium. The Six

Nations start here. Here come the anthems.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta.

# Dell'elmo di Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# Italia chiamo #. Si! # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i

mi. # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri. # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra

mad. # Dros ryddid gollasant EU gwaed.

# Gwlad, gwlad. # Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.

# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau. # O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.

That was the noise of an entire nation. Two great anthems, a

wonderful atmosphere. Two of the greatest anthems you will hear

during this tournament. He staged is set here in Cardiff, Wales against

Italy. Let's join the commentators Jonathan Davies and good afternoon

to Andrew Cotter. What a team it is today. A couple of

understudies. Gethin Jenkins and Paul Jones.

Fly-half is the only uncertain position. Rhys Priestland gets the

nod today. They will be very hard to contain.

We have 320-year-olds starting today -- three 20-year-olds starting

today. The Six Nations is underway. Alun

Wyn Jones has captained his side before against Italy. He has

captained the Lions of course. This is the most experienced

international pack ever to grace this field in terms of caps.

Campagnaro is one of the 20-year-olds.

The Welsh fans are responding. Sergio Parisse is there. Still with

Italy. Edoardo Gori once again. A penalty for Wales. Not much

penetration there for the Italians, and Faletau gets the ball and the

penalty. It will be interesting to see how the Italian halfbacks go,

because they are in a transitional period and want to play more

expensively. They will be crucial. There is the penalty, getting

cleared out. The debate about number ten, Priestland and Biggar. Biggar

has been playing well. They want the more expansive, and the difference

in physique between the Welsh backline and the Italian backline is

phenomenal. That will be the big question, can they cope?

Blonde Sarah flies over the half line.

It is going to roll away. The whistle went to his mouth, but he

left it. A gift for Alex Cuthbert! You cannot

afford to give Wales chances like that. It was a well-placed kick, but

not that well-placed. Alex Cuthbert for Wales. A dummy runner from Scott

Williams. A lovely little kick, but this should be taken, right winger

comes across and covers. Esposito, just a flood banks. A lovely kick,

but covered. This should be cleaned up. Just missed times it, misjudges

the Barents, and Alex Cuthbert is there. Esposito, on his debut, still

looking for his first touch. He should have had it. That is a big a

big mistake. You have got to go down and get behind the ball, and

Cuthbert, when he's around, is a deadly finisher. That is a poor

start for the Italians, worst start possible for them. Italy will have

been saying, keep in search with Wales for as long as possible and

three of their nerves start afraid. -- start to fray.

A beauty. A tight angle. Wales have a 7-point start in this game.

Leigh Halfpenny thumbs down there again. A dangerous kick coming up

here. A very good run. The easy option is to take it to the

22 and banged it into touch, but he had a look up and took the difficult

option. A dangerous kick, but struck beautifully. The Derby odds from the

international is -- these are the odds.

Different ball is the most difficult to attack from the backline, but it

is a safer ball. There it is. George North building up a head of

steam. Esposito is trying to get there.

Leonardo Sarto was eventually coming across from the left wing. A good

covering by the Italian wingers. Leonardo Sarto did exceptionally

well to see the danger. He comes all the way across. A lovely kick by

George North. Good play, good pass. Great cover,

but a blindside Italian winger. The position now is great for Wales.

Alun Wyn Jones secured the ball at the line-out. Many of the Italian

players have gone to ground and regrouped in a great position.

Sergio Parisse tries to get in there and get it from the grasp of Mike

Phillips. A good defence by Italy. Very good play, definitely. It of

the body and into the arms of Priestland.

Italy have the scrum. You have to applaud their defence there. I

thought they had big problems there. A lot of the Italian players went to

ground, but they regrouped. Sergio Parisse was in there.

Good stiff structure of work by the Italians. -- good destructive work.

Open up your shoulder. You have lasted longer this match than the

last match. This time last time you in the gentlemen's toilet in Rome.

Too much information! Good times. That ball was put-in sharply there.

One thing about the scrum is that Adam Jones has had to adjust. He was

so good at getting the hit. There is no real hits now. There is a tiny

little hit, and I wonder if that has this empowered to the Italian

forwards as well. It is a different beast now, the scrum. Adam Jones has

struggled to adjust a little bit. This is a competition where he can

step up to the mark again. Penalty to Italy. Head and

shoulders, that is the instruction from John Lacey. Paul James is the

man penalised. McLean clears for Italy. The referee

again is giving instruction to Alun Wyn Jones, the captain, who was

asking what was wrong with that. Looking at Wales's line-out stats

from the autumn internationals, and abbreviated line-out. Not long this

time. A good rolling maul. A penalty

coming to Italy as well. Charteris is coming in at the side. I think

they are too far to go for goal. That's a good drive by the Italian

pack. It is going to be a kick for touch

by Luke McLean. That is a good one, into the 22. It

will steady things a little bit after that flying start. Yes, the

Italians started well, just one defensive lapse, one mistake, and

they are seven points behind now. First real attacking opportunity,

shortened line-out. Bergamasco, Sergio Parisse midfield.

And advantage again to Italy. Dan Lydiate was penalised there. Still

advantage to Italy. Free play now, they have got the penalty.

He was rolling, but he rolled right into the path of the scrum-half, so

if it was going to be a penalty, it made the decision a lot easier. The

tackle is made, he tries to roll away, he doesn't know which way to

go. A bit slow. It is going to be a fairly straightforward goal for

Tomaso Allan. We talked about Tommaso Allan's

heritage. His uncle played for Scotland and South Africa. He was

the hooker, but Tommy Allan played for under 18s, under 20s for

Scotland. He was born to an Italian mother in Italy, and he is Italy's

latest fly-half. That is a good response from Italy.

It could have been a horrible first 15 minutes.

The promise from the Italian coach that they will play more open rugby

now. That is why the roof is closed today, both coaches have two agree

to it and the Italian said, that is fine, we will have it closed. The

weather has been dreadful for the past month, rain, rain. It is a good

job the roof has been closed. They have done very well to keep

that. I thought he was isolated. Wales are a bit bunched at the

moment. A penalty to Italy. That is a couple

of times that Mike Phillips has been caught by Parisse. He goes in, just

take that step, Parisse comes around. Only three men in the ruck

so it is very easy to come round. It is not a big ruck. Penalties

conceded, Wales in front on that at the moment. That will give Italy

midfield position. -- good Beeld position.

Ghiraldini bag on his feet. We are having a vote, who you think will

win the Six Nations. You can join in via Twitter or the BBC website.

If you don't know what a hash tag is, we cannot help you! That is a

full component of 15 players on both sides. Things not quite ticking over

perfectly at the moment. We have got to be a bit more clinical.

A bit of space for a moment but carried in by Allan. Telly big

Faletau would be tackled. -- teleplay Faletau.

It is the urgency with which they wanted the ball. Wales will be

wanting to keep the tempo high. They want to stretch the Italian team. We

see them trying to keep the tempo high around set piece and penalties

it as it is a way of stretching Italy. A crunching tackle bad.

George North uses his speed. A full brochure start by Italy, just

that one mistake costing them -- a faux brochures start.

That was a great tackle. Smashed two players there. A couple of good

dumps in this passage of play. That is far too obvious, that play. You

cannot afford to show your hand very early on. There is only one player

that the ball is going to, that was Scott Williams. He read it very,

very well and absolutely nailed him. The dummy runners have got to show a

little bit more and then they might get the ball and take the defensive

run away from the eventual ball-carrier. Wales will have an

attacking line-out right on the 22. Ed every good tackle by Eduardo

Gori. The Italian defence really being tested now.

A very, very good defence by the Italians. I don't think they have

been over the gain enough yet. The Italians really defending well. This

is a strong defence. Campagnaro has been very, very strong defensively.

Makes the tackle on George North. I think they have got to try and just

get George North into the game a little bit. The Italian backs onto

the biggest international backline and I think just a few decoys and

throw the two wingers into midfield. A short defensive line-out

for Italy, it has to work. It just does. That ball would have been a

long time in the air for Eduardo Gori there. Ghiraldini is struggling

from that hit, he was hit early on. Dangerous play from the Italians,

they are trying to get Edoardo Gori into position. The thing about him,

Andrew, he takes one or two steps while clearing the ball. He has got

to try and clear it without taking any steps.

Look at the action areas at the moment. The last couple of minutes,

a bit of a stutter in the throw from Richard Hibbard.

He seemed to have stepped in field a bit before, wasn't sure of his

throat. A scrum to Italy. I think Ryan was saying that he was trying

to keep the ball in play, keep the tempo high to keep the Italians out,

but it can make mistakes and get a few penalties away. When the

Italians have the ball, they are dictating the pace of the game,

which Wales do not want to happen. They will be happy, 22 minutes gone

and only four points behind. They will be happy. If you are joining us

a little bit late, it was a freebie for Alex Cuthbert, a little mistake

by Esposito on the wing. Penalty to Italy.

Very difficult to call that, which one goes down first. Hence my

noncommittal noise! It gives Luke McLean a chance to clear, another

good clearing kick from the fullback. Australian born fullback.

Very interesting game so far, a great start by Wales but Italy have

been more than equal since then. I think Wales have got to commit

players around the ruck area and then go wide. The Italian drift

defence is coping very well. That is a white pigment in his hair,

he is not prematurely grey! They had a good chance there, actually.

A very canny Italian line-out. These players have seen a few line-outs

and know how to disrupt. That was a beautiful kick. Well

done, the Silver Fox. A good line-out by Wales. Toby

Faletau is exposed. Just take a defender of him.

Penalty to Wales. Yes, he went early. Just watch the replay. It is

a good call, really. Whoever called it, they saw Cuthbert in the ruck.

He is miles offside, absolutely miles offside. Like an American

footballer. Priestland trying to kick that off the outside of the

boot to give the angle. A bright enough start by Italy. Yes, besides

the early try they have made a good recovery. They seem to be putting a

lot of pressure on the kickers will stop the intensity of the breakdown

in the tackle area has increased and they are getting a few turnovers so

they need to keep up the intensity on the defence line in order to keep

the Welsh attack at bay. The crowd here are trying to lift the

intensity of the Welsh side. A bit of interference there. Leigh

Halfpenny is Scotland forward. -- is coming forward. Parisse pushes and

then steps out. Hoping not to be seen.

This is the first real kickable penalty at 27 minutes. Discipline

has been good. Maybe that is why one side has not got momentum, attacking

momentum. He is practising his kicks. So far

it has worked. A good conversion landed. Here he can give Wales

another three points. Despite this look, the ball goes

through, and Wales have ten points, and a 7-point lead.

I remember the Italian fly-half slipping a couple of times and still

the ball went over. Halfpenny managed it there.

The kick nearly works very well for them George North coming forward.

You don't want to see out of the corner of your eye George North

coming in, when you are trying to catch the ball. Esposito, there is

the slip. He still does exceptionally well to nail that

after slipping. First knock-on. They give a cross kick from first phase.

I would like to see half the -- Halfpenny.

Lydiard carries it on. After an hour gone, seven points in it.

Out goes the ball. Wales will have the attacking position.

Good play, got him on the outside. That is the position Wales have now.

It was pushing earlier that cost Italy that scrum. The Welsh forwards

are deciding what to do with this line-out. They strolled forward.

This time Tipuric tries to take it down.

A good driver middle. They are spreading defensively. A more direct

approach for Wales now. They are looking for their second try. The

turnover is brilliant. I think it is the winner again.

It was a great, great turnover. Our vote for who do you think will win

the Six Nations on Twitter and e-mail is now closed.

Italy with the penalty. McLean has that clearing kick. Nearly up to the

halfway line. Just watch, Wales have got to hold 13. On that occasion,

they all came in. They have got the extra man, they just have to pick

the right runner. On that occasion they did. If they can hold 13, they

will hold the winners as well. But Campagnaro is drifting very well,

very good defensively. Edoardo Gori sends it high, Sergio

Parisse trying to get there. A little knock-on there from Wales, so

scrum to Italy. They are competing very well and putting pressure on

the kicks, chasing absolutely everything. They are not giving the

Welsh players signed on the ball, or time to take the high ball. A hefty

fall for George North, but he is fine. I want to kill them until the

ball goes in. Glen Jackson is with her running

touch as well. Six minutes to go in this first

half, and just seven points. The difference is that converted try.

That was in the first format minutes of the match. Down goes the scrum

again. Is this going to be a trite? It is a

very well executed move. He's stood out there, purely because of that.

He is not celebrating. Let's CU gets a hand on it. He doesn't think he

scored. He is going back a scrum. Iain Ramage is the referee. Sergio

Parisse's left hand gets to the ball. That is a knock-on.

Fair play. Sergio Parisse, classy player, classy man. He walks back to

the scrummage. A good move and a good position for

Italy. Welsh scrum. Is their first scrum, I think.

Wales just need to get that ball away. A good scrum, boys. Keep it

goes, and a clearing kick from Friesland, effectively, and Esposito

takes it well. Here comes the winner.

A bit of a zip about this Italian side. The whistle brings them back.

There is definitely more zip. Edoardo Gori is having a good game.

He is very sharp. Just watch this, Zanni is unlucky Tom because the

pass was on. Time out, please. Did that come off Paul James? One

big hit. Castrogiovanni was enjoying the

tussle. This is a nice game to lead Wales into the Championship. It is

also about the points difference at the end of the Championship, and

they could also that with a big win here today. -- they could bolster

that. A penalty to Wales, and Castrogiovanni was the driving

Mander in the front row. First two games, Paul James, next to

Mac games, the Italian front row. Priestland gave that a huge boot.

The last attacking opportunity for Wales. It would good the -- the good

to get a try. After that mistake which allowed

Wales to score the first try, Italy will be happy with the score at

half-time. The line-up is a bit loose again, a

bit deeper. Williams will score for Wales.

Second try! Simple. The try is finished.

A blow for the Italians just before half-time.

Scott Williams is on form. Again, not the best line-out. It is just

that angle, he drifts a little bit too early, good support by inside.

Sgarbi drifts too early. He goes too early, shows too much on the inside

for Jamie Roberts. Too big, the angle is too good, and then very

good support by Scott Williams. It is going to be a try at the start

and a try at the end of this first half, which is the difference

between these two sides at the moment. The timing is rather cruel

for Italy. But their defence was not up to it. Just drifted a little bit

too early there, that is all he did. The angle beat him. And the

conversion is good for Lee Halfpenny. Wales have two converted

tries. Just watching, he goes and goes and goes too early. He is too

big, too powerful, good support there by Scott Williams. Just 30

seconds remaining. The Italian backline have defended

well. But again, just one missed tackle.

Campagnaro hangs onto it and he has got some pace. He kicks it down the

field for Esposito to get there. At the touchdown from Friesland will

bring this half to an end. A nice touch from Italy, they have

threatened at times, but it does not come to anything. There is not much

in it. Just the mistake and then that try at the end. The game has

been quite even. Wales will have to pick up the tempo in the second

half. That is what they want to do. They need to go wider little bit

later. Very comfortable for Wales with that late try by Scott

Williams. Did not take much to create a couple of tries that for

Scotland's 17th. Wales lead by half-time.

A blistering start for Wales. Lee Halfpenny is unflappable as usual,

that the Italians are not fazed by the atmosphere here in Cardiff. They

are applying a lot of pressure Thomas Scott Williams getting his

seventh try for Wales. Wales lead at half-time, 17-3. The Italians have

applied a lot of pressure. Wales have had 56% of the possession.

Yes, I think Wales will be disappointed with the errors they

have made. We have not had the tempo, we have

not gone through the phases that we would have liked to this early on,

but we have kept the scoreboard ticking over. Have Wales been

disciplined enough for you in the first of? Italy are a strong side,

difficult to play against. I am impressed from where Wales are

trying to play from as well, inside their 22. But 79th and three, I

would take that. -- 17-3. A bit of indecision in the Italy line-out, at

the back of the line-out with the defence, just not allowing them to

get enough width to deal with the big runners that are coming in on

the short lines. If they can get those errors cut out of the game

then they can keep applying the pressure because at the breakdown

they are looking more intense than normal, putting pressure on nine and

ten, so, apart from the two mistakes... It was an error that

cost Italy dear in the opening moments. That is exactly what the

Italians did not want, this very nervous moment. Yes, it was his

first cap, he would have been nervous. He did everything right,

covered his 15 in the back line. A great kick from Rhys Priestland and

Cuthbert was chased down. If you look at the Italians, they should

have done a better job of locking Cuthbert. They switched off. What a

way to stop the international career. The Welsh did not really

have numbers there, but a great option by Rhys Priestland and five

points up. Your heart goes out to them in that position. It is a

difficult place to be, but he has to put that to bed, it is a fast

flowing game. You cannot make up for the mistake. But I think that is a

reward for what Wales did. What we call finish on a positive. Phases of

nothing on, it is either going to be that is the best result all end up

with a line-out or turnover so it was good play from Wales. We have

talked about the matchwinners in Wales' side, Jamie Roberts coming

back fully fit. The site is littered with top players who can do this

sort of thing. The size and strength of the back line. Jamie is such a

threat. Jonathan Davies is waiting in the wings to come in. Jamie, as a

forward, it takes so much stress of you. He looked very dangerous, very

fit today. Fresh, he has had a breakthrough injury. It is tough for

the Italian defence to break Jamie Roberts down. A big, scary man

running at you at pace! It will take some stopping to get him down.

Looking to the second half, if they can get a few more moving the ball

away in the counterattack, twice now they have run into the best

defending in Richard Hibbard, and you don't want to run into him, so

if they can shift the ball on the counterattack they might get the

space to get the momentum going. He had a hand in Scott Williams' try.

Seven tries for Williams. He is an inform player. A bit of disruption

in the line-out, Jamie is out to win. This is what we look for. Once

you are through the line, playing in behind. Tipuric, Dan Lydiate in the

support line. A slight misunderstanding in the Italian

defence. What is interesting about Italy today, the errors they are

making, they were not making those last year in the latter stages of

the competition. No, they have had more time together to get a bit more

understanding. It was a bit too narrow and causes problems. If they

can iron out those mistakes and come out in the second half with the

passion and ambition to play rugby and score points now. They are

behind on the scoreboard, maybe the tactics should change a little bit

and get in attack mode now. One of the integral members of the back row

for Wales is Dan Lydiate. He has made the top tackle a trademark of

his game! The Italians are big men, you go high and they will carry you.

It is great to see Dan back in form. He really is integral to this back

row. When he plays well, the rest of the aquarobics they well. -- the

rest of the act row play well. They have become the trademark of his

game. Does he practice on you in training? Sadly, he does! It is

something that is important in the modern game, because you need to get

the other guys, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton, in on the ball, competing

hard. Dan is world class at what he does, no doubt about that. It really

does make a huge difference to the balance of players around as well.

Talking of world-class players, we have dimension Sergio Parisse. You

said at the beginning of the match that when he is not in the Italian

side, the team feels as if it has got no passion, no energy. He makes

a hell of a difference when he is in the side. He makes the recovery to

get the turnover from the attacking position there. They turned over the

ball got clear of the line and was putting pressure on. I think that is

the weakness when talking about Parisse. You can't really see a

cutting edge where they will get the magic, apart from a driving

line-out. For the moment, thank you very much indeed. The Six Nations is

very much here, they are even talking about it in the Houses of

Parliament. The championship is always special,

and I think it is special for the supporters. It is great for the

fans. The Six Nations has such an amazing effect on the participating

countries. It is a really unique tournament in the sense that you

have these high-intensity test matches. It is a tournament that is

steeped in tradition. It is an exciting one, enjoyable to watch. We

see all of it back home in South Africa. The games are close

together, the intensity, the scrutiny, the support and heartache,

it is done in a flash. For two months, all of that crammed into the

time makes it so exciting. The title for the 20 RBS Six Nations goes to

Wales! It is a tough one to call, because France are back to their

heyday. We don't know what we will get. You have seen the power of the

Welsh side and the experience they have got, and I suppose you cannot

be a fool to think that France will get it wrong every year. They have a

huge amount of talent. They were good in the autumn but did not get

the results they wanted. The talent at their disposal is incredible. You

look at Ireland's performance against the all Blacks, which was so

tantalisingly close to creating history will stop if they can carry

on with that form and intensity over the course of the Six Nations, they

will be there or thereabouts, so it is very, very exciting.

Great to hear from some of the legends of the game. Lots more Six

Nations action to come here on the BBC. France against England live

from Paris today at 4:30pm will stop tomorrow, we are off to Ireland

against Scotland, live from Dublin tomorrow at 2:30pm.

At the start of this programme, we ask you who you think will win the

Six Nations via Twitter, via Facebook and via the BBC sport

website. The results are, England 40%, Wales 35%, Ireland 10%, 6% of

you, very interesting, big France will win, Scotland 6% and Italy 2%.

Let ask our guests whether they go along with that. A lot of people are

looking at the fixtures when they said they fancy England to win the

Six Nations and deep big match is probably England against Wales? You

like to think that is going to be a decider, but between now and then we

have no small matter of Ireland away, and I don't think England will

find France to easily this afternoon. It is a tough call, I am

not a big believer in calling it too early. But, for me, unsurprisingly I

am a big fan of Wales, who I think will do really well. They are

littered with world-class individuals. Do you think it will go

down to that game at Twickenham? I agree with Ryan, there is too much

rugby to go on. I think next week for Wales is huge. When the momentum

is there, we are dangerous. What about you, Carlo? It is too early to

call it. It is really tough to call, we will have to see what

happens in the game. Don't forget you can contact us by

the BBC sport website, via our Twitter handle, and of course by

Facebook. So, here we go, then. Wales league Italy by 17 points to

three. The players are out, time for the second half. Add to the match

commentary team of Jonathan Davies and Andrew Cotter. -- back to the

commentary team. ANDREW COTTER: Wales are off to a

decent start so far. It is about building momentum, you cannot afford

to make too slow a start, although Wales did last year. Going for three

in a row. It has not been done. It has not been one out right three

years in a row. A few side have won it twice and then tied for first

place. No changes to either side at

half-time. Wales with the first chance to make an assault here.

That is what I would like to see, Halfpenny hitting it more. He has

got great pace. Sam Warburton is waiting on the

bench, still not quite match fit after that shoulder injury. It is a

good back row to try to get back into form or button. Tipuric has

been impressive so far. It is going to be a trifle

Campagnaro! A berry, very good try! An excellent kit, excellent kick.

That is exactly what they wanted. I wonder if there was a hint of a

forward pass earlier on? We are going to the TMO. Ian Ramage

is going to have a look at this. John Lacey has asked to see. If we

look in slow motion we may see the forward pass. It is a great finish.

A great finish. Nothing on from there.

REFEREE: Just checking this patch. -- this pass. It is such a difficult

one. I think the past has gone forward. It is forward. It is a

tight one. Forward pass is much in the news at the moment. Glen Jackson

is right near him. Yes, it is a forward pass. This is Campagnaro

getting down there. It is his pass. REFEREE: John, are you OK with that,

I have a decision for you, you may award the try.

A trifle Italy -- a try for Italy, for Campagnaro. There is the

turnover, Priestland. Very good play again. They go wide, it is an

exceptional finish and a very, very good try by the Italians. Campagnaro

has played exceptionally well. The end result has been judged by

Ian Ramage not to have been a fault. A good start of the second half for

Italy. Much of the news at the moment Tom the rule is, do the hands

go-forward? A very good kick. The pace of Campagnaro and the control

of the kicks, a very good try. A lot of people say that it should go back

to being a forward pass, irrespective of the momentum

carrying the ball forward. A bit of crossing interference there from

Italy, so a penalty for Wales. Obstruction number one. A bit of a

puppet goal for Wales. We will have the thoughts from Carlo Del Fava. It

was fantastic how they got the ball in hand. In the past, you would see

Italy make one pass, kick the ball down the field that would be the end

of possession. It shows you their thoughts in trying to get down the

pitch and score some points. A well worked try. They did everything

right chip kick on the last defender. Forward pass or not? A

tough one! The pause is enough! It will never be forward, I think. A

chance for Lee Halfpenny. E hoax it. Nine points, it remains.

A rare miss from his favoured side. He smashed that a bit, just called

it. I would always be put off by the looming spectre of the Italian

player hovering behind. He could be the greatest kicker. I can to

debate. Lee Halfpenny has now passed James Hook, but a long way behind

Jenkins. Is it worth giving book a run in this game at number ten, to

see how he goes? Faletau carries the ball a lot. That

is a turnover ball. Good work by the Italian defence. Just watch, where

Faletau goes, Sergio Parisse also goes. Usually he carries the ball,

because he has got such good feet. He can step and get through the

tackle, on that occasion, it was surrounding him. Sometimes he needs

a runner with him, just take a run on his shoulder, take one of the

defenders away. Italy have had five missed tackles, one of them very

important. This chrome wheels round. A very

good scrum by Wales. Very good. The first two scrums of the match, James

collapsing, really turned it round now, very dominant in the scrum. The

Italian scrum is not what it once was. No, it's not. That was the

platform of their game, their forward power, but that is where

they are trying to change their style a bit. Edoardo Gori has a

significant part to play in that, the scrum-half.

They are going to destroy the Welsh scrum there. They are still resting

on laurels of their previous scum. They are under penalty. Allan's kick

is a good touch finder. After that try, their tails will be up. They

have got good field position once again.

Just a bit of a murmur around the stadium at the moment. Nine points.

It has gone quiet. They wanted to see two tries to one.

Handed out from Don Lacy, penalty coming to Italy. Definitely go for

goal here. He won't be happy with the

second-half performance. A rich source of points, a great

kicker. One of the 20-year-olds in the Italian backline. There are

trying to get Italy within six points.

It was drifting. He has hooked a couple now. Too bad. He has got to

aim for the far right. If he is going to bend it in, he have to aim

at the right upright. He is aiming, not far enough right with the poll.

That narrow defeat against Argentina in November, he missed four

penalties, he is no Dominguez yet in that department. Half an hour to go.

A couple of chances squandered with the boot by Italy.

They are still bright and personally, the Italians, and they

certainly have something about them today.

It is a decent pace of ball for Italy. He has done well, Tommaso

Allan, because I thought he was on his own. Great defence, Scott

Williams. The past moves on. Leonardo Sarto, trying to get the

faster winners in and up against the forwards, near the pillars of the

ruck. Inside, Sato from Bortolami. They are slowly moving forward,

making inroads into the Welsh defence. Here comes the noise of the

Millennium Stadium, trying to wireless -- to rouse the Welsh

defence. Just run out of patience. They need a spark, Wales, they need

someone to either do a run, a big hit, or something, just to spark

this side up. It is a bit flat in the stadium, and the Italians are

playing exceptionally well, controlling the tempo of the game.

Bergamasco should know better, all his experience. A penalty to Wales.

The players are getting a bit of treatment as well. They do make

changes and impacts from the bench. Priestland's kick this time doesn't

make too much ground. Just look at the fixtures to come for both sides.

Wales are playing Ireland's next, then home to France, home to

England. A great ball for Faletau. That's

what I mean! Just get a run on it. The ball goes to Priestland. Can

Wales attack? The game opens up just a fraction.

Wales have the advantage, as Ghiraldini was offside trying to

take Priestland. This kit will go to McLean, but we'll come back for the

penalty. One thing Priestland has got to look at, defensive line is

looking exceptionally hard. Good line speed by the Italians. But Luke

McLean is defending so deep man there is not a sweeper. There is an

opportunity for a grubber or a chip behind the Italian defensive line.

Good interception by Priestland. Well read. A lot of the big Italian

players are missing out. Campagnaro has been exceptional. Benvenuti is

out injured. A good position here for Wales. Still far from putting

this game to bed. Priestland might go for! Rhys

Priestland gets up the field. Great play from Rhys Priestland for a

moment. He was Phil Bennett for a moment. Once he fenced, he was in.

McLean hangs on him exceptionally well. Inside ball.

A change made by Italy, Alberto De Marchi has come on in the front

row. He is a loose-head prop. A couple of tackles being missed by

Italy now. Not enough space there. Wales straight onto the attack

again. Adam Jones comes into play

scrum-half. Lydiate is the link. Cuthbert slid the tackle again, keep

it alive, and George North tries to get in, but Ghiraldini... Hibberd

and Ghiraldini have enjoyed their meeting today. Penalty to Italy.

Wales off their feet. Starting to fall off tackles now,

opportunities... Tipuric, this is it. Desperate tackle.

Cuthbert just gets inside, Parisse just gets to him.

Italy need some good field position. Italy about to make another change,

Ghiraldini is going to go off. He has done well, really. He took a big

hit. Davide Giazzon is coming on for Ghiraldini, who took some kids from

Richard Hibbard in particular. Wales are waiting to make a change as

well. Interesting to see who comes off. Bergamasco goes off. Combs is

coming on for Charteris in the second row. I like Minto. Francesco

Minto on in the back for Italy. There is a Alberto De Marchi. Just

sensed that fresh legs were required.

Certainly a lot sharper, aren't they, the Italians? After that very

hard start to the championship, away to France is their next match. This

game is certainly far from beyond them at the moment, nine points the

difference. Not the prettiest pasta Priestland.

-- the prettiest pass to Priestland. The touch judge is coming in to have

a word, I think he was looking at the challenge by Paul James earlier

in the move. A reminder of the other fixtures coming up as well this

weekend... France against England, of course. It big game, that is. For

30 PM, straight after this, really. Then Ireland play Scotland tomorrow

at 2:30pm, also on BBC One HD. That chat there was, I think Paul James

will be brought forward for that. Paul James said, I just stood my

ground. That is not a penalty. That is a pathetic penalty by an

assistant referee who wants to come on just to be seen on television. It

was Francisco Pastrana on the far side who came in. You have got to

expect to get run around and take the hit. It is a poor decision. That

is a great kick. It is a big decision now when you look at the

position. Looking at the replay, Paul James did not have time to get

out of the way, did not raise his arm. But the replacement hooker,

Giazzon, has the ball, and Italy have this great position. Great

take! Wonderful take with the right hand by Perry said. -- by Parisse.

Coming in field a bit gives options to Italy, a bit more space.

One on one, Esposito takes it. It goes into touch now. Very, very good

plate. Esposito has played well since his early mistake. You think

of that try, the difference nine points at the moment into the final

20 minutes. 17 - three at half-time, you could think the

Italians would be onto a beating but they have played exceptionally well

in the second half. A chance to counterattack. Esposito

fumbled but it went backwards. I think he has got to get higher

trajectory on those kicks. The chase has been so good from the Italians

today. You have got to give a little bit on the length to make sure you

get the height. A couple of mis-kicks from Allan,

penalty to Wales. When you get those penalties and convergence, you have

got to really take them. -- and conversions.

He has played well after the mistake in the first couple of minutes,

Esposito. They look tired, the Welsh players,

to be honest. They pride themselves on their fitness, Wales, but a

couple of players perhaps not match sharp, coming back from injury.

Still isolated. Faletau is there again. Here comes Sam. Lydiard going

off, do you think? -- Lydiate coming off? He has not featured since the

December test matches but Sam Warburton is back with us, on four

Dan Lydiate. And with all of the political situation in regional and

union Rugby, support for Sam Warburton is clear. Rhodri Jones is

on as well in the front row, on four Adam Jones. A very talented young

prop, Rhodri Jones. Sam Warburton was out for a while with that

shoulder problem. You just feel they need to get

something here now. A bit of breathing space again. 15 minutes to

go, just nine points in it. That is the difference, when they do

pick the tempo up, they look far more dangerous, don't they?

Accidental destruction, so Italy will have the scrum. Just that

little extra gear, it does seem to be available to Wales.

Ryan Jones, what do you make of this? We have seen two things at

play that I think some of the Wales' second-half, a fantastic

cake, pressure from the penalty, two wonderful phases and then followed

by a mistake. We have not kept sustained pressure so that we can

use our big runners and maintain the gain line, stringed phase after

phase and stress the Italian team. We are looking to create a mismatch

in defence, but, again, we have not been able to manufacture that with

another phases. I have not seen George North or Cuthbert enough with

the ball in hand. I agree with you there. When George has had the ball

he has done very, very well. We need to come away from areas of the field

like this with points now. A penalty to Wales, and this may mentally put

the game to bed. Tobias boaters, fresh on the field at scrum-half,

but Italy not driving straight -- Tobias Botes.

The interpretation of that scrum was a penalty to Wales. Very, very

difficult job, isn't it? That one fizzes through and Wales

reached 20 points. It is all about the victory for Wales to get them

going, and that is what they are heading towards. A replacement now

as Ken Owens comes on for Richard Hibbard.

Italy get us going again. A good take.

Why do you have to kick the ball 20 yard in the air to get possession

when you have already got it? That was a better kick, a very, very

good kick. Wales enter the Italian 22.

The penalty just gives them a bit more confidence. A couple of changes

waiting for Italy. On come Joshua Furno and Lorenzo Cheetah Dini --

Lorenzo Cittadini. Furno is coming on for Berta Lani --

Bert Alami. The bench is almost empty. Still on

there is Sergio Parisse. And Allan sends towards Halfpenny.

Good play. He gets the ball away to Roberts. Good to see them... Oh,

no! Interception! It is going to be a run for the line. It is going to

be a dry, and it is Campagnaro again. Under the post. It will be

seven points, and the game is to -- is still alive. You can see from

here, up in the commentary position, you could see it straightaway, the

interception was on. He didn't luck. He didn't look. It was a long pass,

and he knew, as soon as he threw the ball, Leigh Halfpenny knew that

Campagnaro is in. No-one was going to get anywhere near this kit. Two

tries for 20-year-old Campagnaro. He tried -- scored a try on his first

game against Argentina, as well. There is real hope for Italy, under

Jacques Brunel. This is worrying for Wales. Still ten minutes to go. Just

five points in it, with the conversion of Tomaso Allan. . Italy

have only ones swing away at the Six Nations, beating Scotland. He did

that very well. Leigh Halfpenny knew as soon see to it that it was an

intercept. -- as soon as he threw it. A big ten minutes, this. The

Italians are really confident. What a result of this might be for

Italy if they pull something out. This will be the greatest result in

their history, even with wins against France and Ireland last

year, they were at home. This is at home -- away against the defending

champions. They have got to play now, Wales, in the right areas. It

is out, says the referee Tom but they get it back. Alun Wyn Jones.

A penalty. Taken quickly by Rhys Webb. A good tap and go by Rhys

Webb. He is on his own. Scott Williams get there. Priestland and

Wales coming forward now. I thought they had won that game with the

penalty. Watch where Luke McLean is defending, in the line, so they have

dropped the wing back and dropped the scrum-half back, but they are a

space behind the defensive line for Wales, they can exploit that.

Priestland again. All the way back that penalty. It is

a long advantage. To kick it, kick for goal, eight points. Got to kick

for goal. Is going to be a proper goal. It is close, Carlo Del Fava?

Yes, they are facing a few points. A fantastic try from Campagnaro,

opportunistic. He used this page to get over the line. The whole

afternoon he has been threatening to do something come he has been

patient with the ball in hand and he really deserved an outcome there.

Bergamasco is back on, because Alessandro Zanni is... That this is

to take Wales beyond a converted score clear. Leigh Halfpenny, he has

missed just one. An important kick, this.

This could take the game away from the Italians.

It is low and it is through. Good from Leigh Halfpenny. It may be good

enough. When a kick is needed to be slotted, you need a guy with the

high percentage success rate. That is what he has done.

Sergio Parisse's side still believe they can make a comeback.

They just need to hang on and Wales will have a winning start to the

Championship. Priestland sends it long, down the middle, but McLean is

there. The chase is very good. Very quickly, Botes, then Bergamasco.

The match is slipping away from Italy now. Eight points.

Still therefore Italy, and inside their own half. Five minutes

remaining. Sergio Parisse off-loaded to Luke McLean. The getaway to

Tommaso Allan. The blue shirts swarming around

Tipuric. He takes a step and then slices it. George North is offside.

He is going for the ball. If you are going to put your foot there, you

might expect that. Tommaso Iannone coming on for Leonardo Sarto. On the

Italian wing. 3.5 minutes remaining, eight points. Mr line-out as well.

Wales have it. Missed by Scott Williams, and

Tipuric is there. More strains of bread of heaven

around the Millennium Stadium. A couple of minutes remaining, and

longer it goes from Priestland. Move now, quickly! Back into Alun

Wyn Jones. Leigh Halfpenny tries to stab it through. Fallacy and comes

-- Faletau and Coombs link. Crossfield kick from Priestland to

Campagnaro, calls for the mark. Two minutes to go. Man of the match? My

man of the match is the guy on the ball, Michele Campagnaro, I think

defensively he has been superb, the drift defence, and now he has gone

down with cramp, but he scored two lovely tries. He is my RBS man of

the match. A couple of tries for him, and that interception was his

second one. Nearly 67,000 people in here today.

A decent showing, to say the least. Tipuric takes it down and is heading

towards the final minute, eatery is on its way for Wales, but a lot to

be said for Italy's performance today, and what might have been.

I think you at right. There have been far too many mistakes. They

have not built the phases and build the pressure to create

opportunities, and they will have to do a lot better against Ireland next

week. What we make of this performance?

Not just for Wales, but for Italy as well? I think the Italians have

played exceptionally well. There is definite tempo and pace and various

creativity in the midfield. They missed those crucial kicks which

could have put them closer into the tie, but they will be happy with the

result is not the performance. I think it has been a sluggish

performance for Wales, they have not created a lot of opportunities. They

have played very similarly to how they have played in previous years.

It is up to the teams to try to beat them, knowing that they are playing

like that. I would like to see them be more creative. If they cut the

mistake that, Wales will improve. Two tries apiece. The scrum goes

down again. That might be an end of things now. The clock goes round.

John Lacey is getting some instructions there. They are going

to have this scrum. Advantage to Italy. They have the

penalty, and away he goes, their captain. Carried on now by Minto.

The crash ball is just about repelled by the Welsh defence.

Wales keep it alive. They want to take a little bit more from this

game. Jamie Roberts is down injured at the moment in this final passage

of play. And the ball goes loose, but then a little tap on from George

North, and that will be the end of things. A look at the clock, a blast

on the whistle from John Lacey, and a victory to open the defence of

their Six Nations campaign for Wales, but again, not the whole

story. But it is a win. You have to get off to a good start, and that

means winning. They will not be happy with their performance, it was

a bit sluggish. A bit scrappy. Just far too many mistakes, which did not

give them momentum and build pressure. But, a good win for Wales

to start. But they know there is a big, did test in Dublin next week

for them, and they will have to raise their game. If Cali and, a

very, very good performance and I think they have improved on that

informant is from last year -- the Italians, a very good performance.

Italy away to France, and then to Scotland. Wales away to Ireland and

then home to friends. -- home to France. We did think at half-time

that Wales were going to move away. I think the first try at half-time

would have been crucial, especially if Wales had got it. But that try

got them back into the game and they hung on in there, as they always,

always do, the Italians. So, there we are, a couple of tries in the

first half for Wales, two in the second half, it was close.

So, Wales get the win, in a different atmosphere to last year.

It is a win, that is the most important thing, as Jonathan says,

but knowing Warren Gatland and about squad, and how tight it is, what

will be the general assessment? The boys will be highly critical of it

now. As they are, win or lose. We came into this competition with the

goal of winning five from five. One down, did it off, that is the

positive, the only statistic that counts. We have certainly got to up

the game, up the tempo and be more clinical next week. Let's hear from

the man of the match, Michele Campagnaro.

Many congratulations on your man of the match reward, two tries today.

Do you feel it is a match you could have one? Yes, it is a dream for my

whole life for me, so I am very happy. I don't know, my English is a

little bad, sorry. You are doing very well so far. Italy did not have

the best autumn, will this give you faith going into the rest of the

campaign? Years, it was a difficult match, Wales is a big team and I

hope we improve and we are better next time. All the very best of

luck. Thank you. Jamie Roberts joins me now. A

hard-fought victory, I guess relief is the overwhelming emotion?

Obviously a win is what international rugby is about but we

certainly made it hard for ourselves. Italy scored with an

interception and a turnover, so we have to tighten those mistakes in

our game. If we do that against Ireland next week, we will lose the

match. Focus on retaining the ball and no silly mistakes. Ryan Jones

made the comment in the commentary that there is not sustained

pressure? That is true, we go through the phases, attacking well,

then silly turnovers, maybe" we. Everyone is guilty of it. We have to

look at ourselves in training this week. We showed some good rugby at

crimes. The first batch is hard on the legs and we want to take our

hard work into the games. Good luck.

Almost endorsing what Ryan said. Michele Campagnaro is the man of the

match, he said that probably 20 minutes before it was announced. It

is great to see the youngsters taking the bull by the horns,

playing and just enjoying themselves. It looked like he was

having fun. Fantastic, honestly. He was not overruled, up against

world-class players. He was outstanding. The passion with the

ball in hand, as well. His first try, was it a forward pass, wasn't

it? For me, I think, looking at this, it is a forward pass.

He showed great speed as well. Great deals and a great finish. Wales

might get criticised because they did not play well but you have to

take your hat off in that second half. You thought the players were

sluggish today? I think Wales made several mistakes that they need to

eradicate from the game. You don't want to make those errors, as Jamie

alluded to, next week. I agree with Martin that Italy played some great

stuff there. They made the right decision at the right times and got

the rewards at times. Really, we should not be surprised, Carlow,

about the Italian side, given what they did to France and Ireland in

the last weekend of the Six Nations last year. This is a good side now.

I think the coach has really put his mark on the team now. The style of

rugby has got a bit more work to it but considering what happened last

year against France, they played the first game all guns blazing, but a

bit stuck, but the next week did not follow that up with your something

they need to do this weekend. We have got some reaction here. This is

what happened when Campagnaro scored. A little celebration in the

corner. You should have seen him on the first try! He went mad! You

don't see Wales making those errors. If they can cut out the silly

penalties that they give away, relieve the pressure, which was

ultimately the difference between the bars and Italians, -- between

the Welsh and Italians, they will be disappointed. Turning a 5-point try

into a 7-point try, it keeps you a little bit in front. Under pressure,

dived in to clean out, penalty. As a player, it takes so much pressure

off you. If they can cut the silly errors, this is the 50-50 chances,

sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. Warren Gatland

will be analysing that on Monday but a Jacques Brunel will also be

analysing it to see how they could have won today. Yes, the silly chip

kick, loses possession and all of a sudden you have two covered the ball

again with four minutes to go. To keep the flow going of the game you

have got to keep hold of the ball. We always knew that Italy are a team

that you ideally don't want in contention at the 60 minute mark

because they did, they are heavy, and, like most teams, if you are in

contention you will find a little bit extra. They really were playing.

They were dominant in the second half for large patches. They were

unlucky at times, as well. Wales will take a lot of confidence, it is

a big step up in national rugby from week in, week out. International

rugby is physically hard. Wales looked quite tired to me, quite

flat. A few of the guys are perhaps not at match sharpness so hopefully

they have the rest of the week... Is that a Lions angered the? Is there a

danger of that in this tournament? I don't think it is a Lions hangover.

It is a step up from the club game, they are finding their feet. They

got up to speed in the second half. Let's hear from the Wales coach.

Relief must be the overwhelming emotion? Not so much relief, I

thought some positives in terms of attack. Italy were adopted, they

competed hard all day -- they were dogged. We kept them in the game.

Defensively we bought the structure was pretty good, we maybe could have

competed hard with the breakdown, created a few opportunities. They

made it tough for us. What's your heart in your mouth or did you feel

Wales would come through in the end? I think about the past, when we

have come under pressure like that and have not had the composure to

finish off, we had the strength to do that today. It was a tough game,

a great first tournament. As defending champions, every team is

going to come at us and make it tough. Speaking to the guys at

half-time, they were frustrated. The Italians were going down with

injuries and stuff, that was difficult in terms of keeping

momentum and keeping the tempo of the game up. Just keep playing. It

was a bit stop start. But that is what you have to deal with. A big

one against Ireland next week. What specifically would you work on this

be? Just tidying up a few things in terms of being more accurate, do

some work at the breakdown. I thought, lines of support running

were fantastic. We had got really good support on the inside so we

probably missed a couple of chances, but just another week together will

be good. All the best of luck with it.

Let's take a quick look at the RBS Six Nations table as it stands,

obviously only one game played and Wales top it. We have England and

France coming up. It is a tough Six Nations for Wales

this year, they are next at the Aviva Stadium and then click on in

March. We have two huge away fixtures, they

know what it takes to go to the Aviva and took an away. In amongst

that, we have got France at home on a Friday night. They could come to

us on the back of two victories. It is all up in the air at the moment,

only one game in. It is going to be dictated over the next three or four

games. Wales are notorious at slow start. The important thing is to win

will stop. I don't think there were any significant injuries. Sometimes

those poor games get a reaction from you. Thank you very much indeed. It

has been great having you all in the studio. Follow, your hamstring is

fit and ready to go? Yes, four months time I should be back. There

is a lot of Twitter action for your beard, people like it!

Wales have got off to a winning start, but they will have to

improve. Goodbye for now.