Wales one step from glory

Jamie Roberts propelled Wales to a frustrating 24-3 Six Nations victory over Italy yesterday to keep their hopes of a third Grand Slam in eight years alive.

Following three Championship triumphs Wales were overwhelming favourites to cruise past winless Italy at the Millennium Stadium. But dogged Italy made life difficult for the hosts despite their abundance of brute force and finesse.

Warren Gatland’s men led by just six-points at the interval thanks to a hat-trick of penalties from Leigh Halfpenny despite dominating both territory and possession.

But Roberts raced clear for a break-away try after 49 minutes to put Wales in a commanding position.

Italy continued to disturb Wales but man-of-the-match Alex Cuthbert scorched clear at the death to put the result beyond doubt.

The Welsh can now look forward to a Grand Slam showdown with World Cup heartbreakers France in a week’s time.

“We knew it was going to be tough from the start,” said Cuthbert.

“We just tried to do our things and go for it – it was hard to break them down – they have a good defence and it was hard work. We take each game at a time and hopefully we will get a big crowd out next Saturday (against France).”

Gatland was critical of Irish referee George Clancy calling him “over pedantic.”

“But the boys tried really hard and at the end of the day we are four out of four,” he said.

“We are happy with the intent that was out there but the boys are a little bit frustrated.”

Wales were without Sam Warburton, after their inspirational skipper failed to recover from the Championship-threatening knee injury he suffered against England, with Ospreys youngster Justin Tipuric starting in his place.

But they welcomed back former captain Matthew Rees, who reformed the Dragons’ all-Lions front-row for the first time since November 2010.

Mass substitutions disrupted the flow of the game in the final quarter but Wales hung on despite a numerical disadvantage. With Halfpenny in the bin, Rhys Priestland stretched the lead further on 69 minutes and Cuthbert rounded off the victory with minutes to spare.

Other result: Ireland vs Scotland 32-14.

Playing today: 16.00 France vs England.

Standings: Wales (4-0-0) 8; Ireland (2-1-1) 5; France (2-1-0) 5; England (2-0-1) 4; Scotland (0-0-4) 0; Italy (0-0-4) 0.