Italy 23 Wales 33
Centre Scott Gibbs scored two tries and flyhalf Neil Jenkins kicked 18 points as Wales clinched their second consecutiveSix Nations victory with a 33-23 defeat of Italy today.
Gibbs, keen to make an impression and secure his place on the British Lions tour of Australia in June and July, scored in each half as Walesnotched up their second win in four games following last month's victory over France in Paris.
Italy, who scored just one try from number eight Carlo Checchinato late in the second half, completed their campaign at the bottom of thechampionship with five defeats.
Wales have one match to play against Ireland but the game will not take place until the start of next season in the European autumn.
Ireland have postponed three of their Six Nations clashes because of the risk of Britain's foot-and-mouth disease spreading to the republic throughtravelling fans.
Wales had led 20-12 at halftime after scrumhalf Gareth Cooper, a late replacement for the injured Rob Howley, and
Gibbs both crashed over for tries from close range.
Flyhalf Neil Jenkins added two penalties and two conversions before the break while his opposite number Diego Dominguez kept the Italians in thegame with four penalties.
The diminutive Italian flyhalf cut Wales's lead to 20-15 with a drop goal early in the second half. But Gibbs crossed for his second try soonafterwards after taking a switch pass with Jenkins near the Italian line.
Checchinato drove over in the last 10 minutes for Italy's only try but Wales were in control.
Jenkins finished the match with four penalties and three conversions. Dominguez also put over 18 points with fivepenalties in addition to the drop goal.
Reuters