Dan Lydiate (right) and Luke Charteris, of Wales, combine to bring down Italy’s Luke McLean at the Millennium Stadium, yesterday.Dan Lydiate (right) and Luke Charteris, of Wales, combine to bring down Italy’s Luke McLean at the Millennium Stadium, yesterday.

Holders Wales got their bid for an historic hat-trick of Six Nations titles off to a nervy start when they squeezed past a dogged Italy 23-15 in the opening match yesterday.

First-half tries by Alex Cuthbert and Scott Williams gave the hosts a handy 17-3 lead at the break.

Michele Campagnaro, 20, lifted Italy’s hopes with two tries to make the deficit five points with 10 minutes remaining.

Leigh Halfpenny’s third penalty then gave Wales some breathing space as they made sure there was no repeat of the opening-day defeat by Ireland in 2013.

Wales, looking to become the first team to win three consecutive Six Nations titles outright, will be satisfied with the victory but will want an improved effort in the scrum as they eye tougher challenges in the coming weeks.

A long injury list meant Italy coach Jacques Brunel had to name an inexperienced backline, a move that initially backfired as an error by debutant Angelo Esposito allowed Cuthbert a simple try after four minutes.

The Treviso winger failed to gather Rhys Priestland’s kick, leaving Cuthbert to collect the ball and collapse gratefully over the line.

After Halfpenny nailed his conversion from the sideline the home team went close to scoring again but Italy’s other wing Leonardo Sarto was alert to the danger, booting away George North’s well-weighted kick under pressure from four Welsh chasers.

Italy recovered from the early setback, despite a lack of possession, on the back of resolute defending and the ability to slow the ball down.

The visitors registered their first points through the boot of former Scotland Under-20 player Tommaso Allan after Dan Lydiate was penalised at a ruck.

The Italians started to test the Welsh defence and got the try their efforts deserved immediately after the restart when Priestland lost the ball in a heavy tackle.

Sarto on the wing kicked ahead and centre Campagnaro put foot to ball again before regathering and diving over the line.

Neither side was able to take complete control and the match looked to be meandering to its conclusion when Campagnaro doubled his tally with 12 minutes left.

Wales, boosted by Sam Warburton’s return, eased their nerves through the boot of Halfpenny to ensure Gatland’s side got their campaign off to a winning, if not completely convincing start.

France stun England

France snatched a thrilling 26-24 Six Nations Championship victory over England yesterday evening thanks to a late converted try from Gael Fickou at Stade de France.

Substitute Fickou was let loose on the left wing and scored with three minutes left, denying England a comeback victory after they had battled back from a 13-point deficit.

Ireland and Scotland clash in Dublin today.

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