Italy vs Wales: Winners and Losers from Rome Showdown
In a disappointing turn of events, Wales faced a 22-15 defeat against Italy in Rome, marking their 14th consecutive loss and adding to the struggles Welsh rugby has faced in recent years. This defeat has put immense pressure on head coach Warren Gatland, with questions arising about his future post the Six Nations tournament.
Let’s take a look at the winners and losers from the challenging weekend for Welsh rugby.
### Winners
#### Blair Murray
One of the few bright spots for Wales was Scarlets’ back, Blair Murray. Stepping in for the injured Liam Williams, Murray showcased his talent by making numerous line breaks and displaying his ability as a dangerous broken field runner. Despite being targeted under the high ball, Murray impressed and proved his worth in the team.
#### Taulupe Faletau and Jac Morgan
Making his first appearance for Wales in over 490 days, Faletau was a standout player in a lacklustre match. With the most carries and impressive defensive efforts, Faletau’s experience shone through. Meanwhile, captain Morgan led from the front with solid tackles and carries, establishing himself as a contender for the British & Irish Lions tour.
#### Aaron Wainwright
Despite a last-minute inclusion due to a facial injury, Wainwright made an instant impact with a try and added physicality to the Welsh squad. His performance highlighted the need for his presence in the starting lineup in upcoming matches.
### Losers
#### Warren Gatland
Gatland’s tenure has been marred by a series of losses, with Wales now ranking 12th globally. While external factors contribute to the team’s struggles, the head coach ultimately bears the responsibility for the dismal results. Gatland’s coaching staff and game strategies are under scrutiny, and the pressure is mounting for a turnaround in performances.
#### Will Rowlands
A veteran in the squad, Rowlands has experienced a decline in form this season, culminating in a subpar performance against Italy. In a collective effort where every player must step up, Rowlands’ recent displays have fallen short of expectations, raising concerns about his contribution to the team.
#### Ben Thomas
The Cardiff playmaker had a challenging outing, struggling with kicking out of hand and showing signs of discomfort in the fly-half position. Suggestions have been made for a positional change to optimize Thomas’s talents and improve his impact on the field.
#### Starting Front-Row
The starting front-row, particularly Henry Thomas, faced difficulties in the scrums against Italy, conceding penalties early on. The performance in set pieces and lineouts was below par until substitutions were made, indicating the need for adjustments in the forward line.
In conclusion, Wales’ defeat against Italy underscores the pressing need for improvements across the board. With individual performances under scrutiny and collective responsibility at the forefront, the team must regroup and strategize for upcoming challenges. As the Six Nations tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Wales to see how they respond to this setback.