ROME (Reuters) – Italy dominated proceedings but almost let Wales back into the game before closing out a 22-15 victory in the Six Nations Championship on Saturday and condemning their visitors to their lowest ever place in the world rankings.
A try from Ange Capuozzo and 17 points off the boot of Tommaso Allan ensured a comfortable lead at a rainy Stadio Olimpico before Wales staged a late comeback with a score from Aaron Wainwright and then a penalty try as two yellow cards in the last minutes saw the Italians reduced to 13 men.
But it was too little, too late for the Welsh, who were triple crown champions only four years ago but have now dropped to 12th place, below Georgia for the first time, in World Rugby’s rankings.
The future of veteran coach Warren Gatland is now in serious question, with Wales extending their record losing run to 14 successive games.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Clare Fallon)
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