Wales beat Italy in Six Nations

Wales have beaten Italy 26-9 in their Six Nations game in a very wet Rome. Second-half tries from Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert were enough for a comfortable victory after a scrappy first half.

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Full-time: Italy 9 Wales 26

Wales have beaten Italy 26-9 to record their second victory of their Six Nations campaign.

Second-half tries from Jonathan Davies and Alex Cuthbert added to 16 points from the boot of Leigh Halfpenny, in a scrappy game in which attacking rugby was made difficult by heavy rain.

After opening-day defeat against Ireland, and victory over France, this result means Wales are still in with a chance of defending their Six Nations title, even if another Grand Slam is long gone.

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Latest: Italy 9 Wales 26

The first half was dominated by set pieces at a wet Stadio Olimpico, but it has come alive in the second. Credit: PA

Wales lead Italy 26-9 with 15 minutes to go in Rome.

Jonathan Davies made the most of a lucky bounce to collect a kick through and score after 44 minutes.

With Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni in the sin bin, Alex Cuthbert ran a fantastic line to touch down in the corner for Wales' second try on the hour mark.

Wales look for momentum of back-to-back wins

Ryan Jones led by example against France in Paris two weeks ago. Credit: PA

Wales kick-off against Italy in the Six Nations at 2.30pm, looking for to continue their positive momentum after beating France in their last game, and keep themselves in the running to end the Six Nations as champions.

Interim coach Rob Howley acted early to name an unchanged side from that which won in Paris.

Ryan Jones is again the skipper, with Sam Warburton returning from injury only to the bench.

Italy are without their captain, Sergio Parisse banned for dissent playing for his club.

Wales prepare for kick-off in Rome

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Wales expect 'tough' game against Italy

Italy have beaten France and lost to Scotland in their Six Nations campaign so far. Credit: PA

Neil Jenkins says he is expecting Italy to provide Wales with a very tough test, when the two sides meet in the Six Nations tomorrow.

"All of our games in Rome have been decided by very tight margins", Wales' assistant coach said. "Games against Italy are always very tough and I don’t see this one being any different."

“Italy had a fantastic victory here against France three weeks ago and we are expecting a very hard game. They have really developed their game over recent years. They would have been disappointed with the defeat to Scotland but we know they can play and they will want to show that tomorrow."

Wales players 'confident' ahead of Italy clash

Alex Cuthbert will again be wearing No.14 for Wales in Rome tomorrow. Credit: PA

Wales winger Alex Cuthbert says his side have their confidence back ahead of their Six Nations clash with Italy tomorrow, after their 16-6 win over France ended a long losing streak.

"The win in Paris will definitely free us up", he said. "We have that confidence and can put the losing run behind us. Hopefully we can now carry on and play in the same way as last year's Six Nations."

"Defending the Championship is definitely still possible but we can only take it one game at a time and this week is massively important. Morale is really high. The victory in Paris has made things a lot easier. The boys are really excited about this game."

Italy captain Sergio Parisse ruled out of Wales clash

Sergio Parisse has long been a talismanic figure for Italy. Credit: PA

Italy will be without their inspirational captain Sergio Parisse for Saturday's Six Nations game with Wales, after the Number 8 was banned for 40 days.

The 31-year-old was sent off while playing for his club, Stade Francais, last weekend, for allegedly assaulting the referee.

10 days of his ban are suspended, but Parisse will miss the remainder of the tournament.

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