I'm backing wonderful Wales all the way in Paris

In my column last week I wrote that George North, Louis Rees-Zammit and the rest of Wales’ dangerous back-three players could cause havoc in the Italian sunshine. So it proved. Italy were as bad as I expected them to be and Wayne Pivac’s side took full advantage to move to within a game of a Grand Slam.

- SHANE WILLIAMS

It was a ruthless performance in the first half in Rome. The tempo and accuracy of the Welsh game was far too much for Italy to contend with. At times, Wales made it look easy and watching the game you could have been confused for thinking it was a training session. Italy’s poor discipline didn’t help them, but defensively Wales were very clever.

They allowed Italy to attack from deep and they just fanned the field by not committing too many men to the breakdown. The result was it made Italy’s attack very ineffective. Wales were patient in defence and waited for the mistakes.

Dan Biggar had a superb first half and played a huge role in getting Wales into spaces with his passing. He hardly kicked possession away but when he did, he did it very well indeed.

His pass to Josh Adams for the first try looked simple, but its execution was perfect and it allowed Josh a simple finish in the corner.

Dan was just as good for 20 minutes or so in the second half before making way for Callum Sheedy. Wales took their tries well and looked to run away with it, but, as bad as Italy were, their resilience was always going to be there and so it proved with that try from Monty Ioane.

Unfortunately for them, the game was over as a contest after 20 minutes. Josh was very busy and took his try well, but he will be kicking himself about the try that wasn’t. He should have scored in the second half, but his technique was poor and he ended up in touch.

It was also great to see Sheedy get his first Wales try. It was well-deserved because he has been impressive in this Championship coming off the bench for Dan.