ROME (Reuters) – Wales coach Warren Gatland was left sweating over a nervous finish after a difficult second half but believes his side were full value for their 29-17 Six Nations victory over Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Wales led 22-3 after a dominant first-half display, but were put under pressure by the Italians in the second period as they conceded two tries and had to scramble in defence on a number of occasions against a home side who battled to finished their chances.
“There’s still a number of things to work on, but we deserved to win the game,” Gatland told reporters.
“The second half wasn’t as good as the first. It would be nice to be in the coaching box and think the game wasn’t going down to the wire. The boys scrambled well.
“I think a lot of players will learn a lot from today. (Centre) Joe Hawkins carried well and got caught a bit defensively. There’s a lot of growth in those players.”
A first start in six years for scrumhalf Rhys Webb proved the catalyst for Wales as his intelligent performance set up two tries and kept them well in front until he was replaced just before the hour-mark.
“I thought he was excellent in terms of decision-making and he kicked well,” Gatland said. “He hadn’t played at this level for a while so we weren’t sure when his legs would go. I thought it was a great contribution.”
Wales may have avoided a first Six Nations wooden spoon in 20 years, though that is not yet certain, and have a tough finish to their campaign when they travel to France next Saturday.
Gatland believes injured flyhalf Dan Biggar will be back for that contest and they will assess the other walking wounded.
“There’s a few guys banged up and a bit crampy. (Hooker) Scott Baldwin has a pec injury which needs a scan. (Fullback) Liam Williams was a clavicle (injury).”
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Toby Davis)
