Wales U20s edge Italy for first away win in five years

BBC News

07-02-2025

Under 20 Six NationsItaly (15) 18Tries: Ducros, Casartelli Cons: Fasti Pens: Fasti 2Wales (10) 20Tries: Morgan, Thomas 2 Cons: Ford Pens: Ford
Wales U20s secured their first away win in the Six Nations since 2020 as they edged Italy 20-18 in an enthralling game in Treviso.Jules Ducros' try put dominant Italy ahead but Wales rallied with tries from Tom Bowen and Harry Thomas putting them ahead.Nelson Casartelli's try gave the Italy a half-time lead before Thomas' converted try put Wales back in front in the second half.Roberto Fasti's penalty put the hosts ahead before Harri Ford's penalty saw Wales regain the lead, who held on for a win despite an Italy having a try ruled out and missing a last gasp penalty.Richard Whiffin's side showed great character and resolve in what was an end to end contest full of twists and turns.
Wales made four changes after a 63-19 defeat in France while Italy were chasing a second successive win after beating Scotland 22-10 in their opening game.Fasti's penalty put the hosts ahead inside the opening two minutes and Wales withstood a sustained period of Italian pressureFasti was unsuccessful with his second penalty the constant pressure finally told when a crosskick from the fly-half found Jules Ducros, who crossed in the corner for the opening try.Wales recovered and made inroads into the Italian 22 for the first time.Evan Minto was held up short of the try line before Cardiff wing Bowen, on his first start, showed great footwork to cross for a well worked try.The visitors were resurgent and debutant Osian Roberts came within inches of scoring in the corner before Thomas drove over for the second try to put Wales ahead.
Italy ended the half camped on the Wales try line and Casartelli crossed over from close range for his their second try and and with Gasti converting it gave them a 15-10 interval lead.Scarlets hooker Thomas thought he had crashed over for his second try early in the second half but with a decision referred to the TMO the try was not given.But Wales and Thomas were not to be denied as he crossed over for his second try, with Harri Ford adding the extras to give them a 17-10 lead.Fasti's successful penalty saw Italy reclaim the lead before Wales were denied a third try when Dan Gemine's powerful finish was not allowed to stand after Sam Scott was penalised.Replacement Ford's penalty gave Wales the lead once more with 10 minutes remaining.Wales were given a let off late on when Malik Faissal knocked on as he attempted to ground the loose ball for a try that would have secured victory.The drama was not over as Genome was penalised and Fasti had the chance to win the game with the very last kick – but the fly-half put his effort wide to the relief of the Welsh youngsters.
Wales Under-20s: Scott Delnevo; Aidan Boshoff, Osian Roberts, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Bowen; Harri Wilde, Logan Franklin;Louie Trevett, Harry Thomas, Sam Scott, Kenzie Jenkins, Dan Gemine, Deian Gwynne, Harry Beddall (capt), Evan MintoReplacements: Saul Hurley, Ioan Emanuel, Jac Pritchard, Tom Cottle, Ryan Jones, Sion Davies, Harri Ford, Elijah Evans.Related topics