Thomas makes his mark

WALES new fly-half, Arwel Thomas, marked his National Ground debut with 16 points and also had a hand in all three tries.

WALES new fly-half, Arwel Thomas, marked his National Ground debut with 16 points and also had a hand in all three tries.

Wing Ieuan Evans extended his Welsh try record to 25 on his 57th appearance with a double while Llanelli team-mate and full-back Justin Thomas grabbed his first for Wales.

Wales were forced to endure a late reply from Italy, who scored two quick tries, but hung on for a victory their return to a free-flowing style of play thoroughly deserved.

Thomas justified his pre-match billing as the next Jonathan Davies with a cocksure display that nearly ended with him equalling Keith Jarrett's record of 19 points for a debutant set against England in 1967.

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Thomas produced the quick ball coach Bowring had demanded and, as it was played across the backs, Justin Thomas burst into the line to grab his first try for Wales on his third appearance.

Italy finally found their form against a tiring Welsh side to follow up two penalties from Dominguez by striking twice in the space of just two minutes.

Wales hung on to register an important victory.