Wales V Italy: Player Performance Grades

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Post on Feb 09, 2025

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Wales v Italy: Player Performance Grades - A Comprehensive Analysis

The Six Nations clash between Wales and Italy always holds a certain significance, and this year's match was no exception. While the final score might tell one story, a deeper dive into individual player performances reveals a more nuanced picture. This article provides a comprehensive assessment of each player's contribution, offering detailed grades and analysis. We'll explore tactical decisions, individual brilliance, and areas needing improvement for both sides. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of this crucial encounter.

Wales Player Ratings

Wales, despite the victory, faced challenges throughout the match. Let's break down the individual performances:

Forwards:

• Ken Owens (Hooker): Grade B+: Owens provided a strong platform at the scrum and was consistently involved in the breakdown. His lineout throwing was largely accurate, demonstrating his experience and leadership. A few missed tackles prevented a higher grade.

• Will Rowlands (Lock): Grade A-: A dominant performance from Rowlands. He won crucial lineouts, made impactful tackles, and carried the ball effectively. His workrate was exceptional.

• Adam Beard (Lock): Grade B: A solid performance from Beard, but lacked the same impact as Rowlands. He was present in the set-piece but didn't make many game-changing plays.

• Taulupe Faletau (No.8): Grade A: Faletau's experience shone through. He was a key ball carrier, made vital defensive interventions, and showed his exceptional ability to read the game.

• Other Forwards (Props, Flanks): Grade B-: The front row functioned well in the scrum, though could have been more impactful in the loose. The flanker pairing offered solid work but lacked game-breaking moments.

Backs:

• Dan Biggar (Fly-half): Grade B+: Biggar's kicking game was crucial, landing important penalties and conversions. However, his attacking play could have been more incisive.

• Gareth Anscombe (Fly-half): Grade B: Provided good game management when he came on, but lacked the same attacking threat as Biggar.

• Rhys Webb (Scrum-half): Grade A-: A lively performance from Webb. His box kicking was excellent, and he distributed the ball efficiently. His service at the ruck was also key.

• Back Three (Wings & Fullback): Grade B: The back three performed adequately but didn't offer the same attacking spark that was expected. They defended well but lacked opportunities to show their attacking prowess.

Italy Player Ratings

Italy showed heart and fight but ultimately fell short. Here's a breakdown of their performances:

Forwards:

• Luca Bigi (Hooker): Grade C+: Bigi worked tirelessly but was often under pressure at the scrum. His lineout work was decent, offering some stability.

• Federico Ruzza (Lock): Grade C: Ruzza showed determination but struggled against the Welsh pack's physicality.

• Other Forwards: Grade C-: The Italian forwards fought bravely but were outmatched in the physical battle. Their scrum was consistently under duress, impacting their overall performance.

Backs:

• Paolo Garbisi (Fly-half): Grade B-: Garbisi displayed moments of brilliance, with some impressive kicking. However, he was often under pressure and struggled to impact the game consistently.

• Stephen Varney (Scrum-half): Grade C+: Varney showed some speed and quick thinking, but lacked consistent accuracy in his passing.

• Back Three: Grade C: The Italian back three lacked the firepower to consistently threaten the Welsh defence.

Overall Match Analysis

Wales ultimately secured the victory, largely due to their superior forward dominance and effective game management. Italy showed commendable effort and spirit, but were outmatched in terms of physicality and experience. Both sides demonstrated areas for improvement as the Six Nations progresses.

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