Jenkins celebrates first Test win with Wales

By Mark Stevens
12/3/23

Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins enjoyed a first Test victory with Wales as Warren Gatland’s side won 29-17 against Italy at Stadio Olimpico to move off the bottom of the Guinness Six Nations table.

Jenkins, who was recalled to the starting line-up for the game in Rome, had not won in his four previous appearances for his country. However, there was no such worries in this latest match as tries from Rio Dyer, Liam Williams, Taulupe Faletau and a penalty try sealed their success.

Post-game, head coach Gatland said: "There are still a number of things to work on, but I think we deserved to win the game. It was against a team that is improving, they're the most athletic Italian side we've faced."

Scrum-half Rhys Webb was named man-of-the-match in his first Six Nations start for six years. He created tries for wing Dyer and No.8 Faletau before being taken off after 54 minutes.

"I thought he was excellent in his decision making, the way he controlled the game and he kicked well," added Gatland. "He has not played at this level for a while so we were always thinking when did we need to make a change in terms of his legs and stuff.

"I thought his contribution was excellent and his decision-making in not trying to force things stood out. When that opportunity arose, he has gone through the gap and picked out Faletau for the try and he has made the right call."

Gatland admitted Wales had benefited from being able to concentrate on matters on the field during a troubled Six Nations campaign.

"I think it will be massive for the confidence going forward," said Gatland. "There is a lot of growth in this team with some of the youngsters so they will learn from that and be better for it.

"I thought our scramble defence and how the boys got back and worked hard today for each other was one of the biggest highlights.

"The nice thing about the last two weeks is that it has been the first time we've actually been able to concentrate on the rugby without other issues going on behind the scenes.

"There's no doubt that's made a difference to this group. We spoke before the game about being smart about how we wanted to play, but also being brave and taking those opportunities and moving the ball."