Italy was the destination for Wales this week, as the senior men side targeted a record-equalling win, while the women and under-20 sides were looking to get their Six Nations campaigns on tracks.
Italy 15 Wales 26
Josh Navidi was one of only five players retained in the starting line-up for Rome, following the dramatic opening day victory over France.
The back row switched to number eight at Stadio Olimpico, and was joined by Cardiff Blues academy graduate, Thomas Young, who made his Guinness Six Nations debut.
Navidi once again produced a stunning performance, picking up the man of the match award after proving to be a useful ball-carrying option for Warren Gatland’s side, and being his usual menace in defence.
Cardiff Blues duo, Gareth Anscombe and Dillon Lewis, were introduced from the bench, as Wales made it a record 11 consecutive victories, equalling the record set in 1910.
Anscombe’s neat chip behind the Italian defence paved way for Owen Watkin to cross for a crucial second half try, while Lewis was part of a scrum effort which resulted in an important penalty for the visitors.
An impressive link-up between Anscombe and Lewis almost manufactured a last minute try for Young, but the score was chalked off after television replays showed a forward pass in the build-up.
Italy under 20 12 Wales under 20 42
Five Cardiff Blues youngsters featured in Gareth Williams’ side as they looked to bounce back from the defeat to world champions, France, a week earlier.
Taine Basham put the visitors in the driving seat with a quickfire double, but Wales were dealt a first half blow after scrum half Jamie Hill was forced off with injury.
Max Llewellyn, who missed out on the defeat to France through injury, fed Ed Scragg for Wales’ third as Wales went into the break with a 21-point lead.
Basham secured his hat-trick early in the second half, before Italy replied through wing Michael Mba.
A half-break from Cardiff Blues full back, Ioan Davies, put Wales on the front foot, as Dafydd Buckland touched down for the visitors’ fifth of the afternoon.
Jacopo Trulla added a second for the hosts, but Wales had the final word as Davies touched down under the posts in the final play to pass the 40-point mark.
Italy Women 3 Wales Women 3
Robyn Wilkins and Manon Johnes retained their places for Wales’ trip to Lecce, following defeat to defending champions France the previous week.
Wilkins opened the scoring after 30 minutes, but that would prove to be her side’s only points of the game.
Michella Sillari draw the hosts back level late in the second half, but Wales seemed to have claimed a dramatic winner after a stunning invdividual score from Jasmine Joyce.
However, the try was disallowed after a forward pass, but Rowland Phillips’ side registered their first points of the Championship as they prepare to welcome 14-times champions, England, to Cardiff Arms Park in round three.
Tickets are available now for Wales Women’s clash against England at Cardiff Arms Park - head over to the Cardiff Blues tickets website for more information.