Gatland sees victory as '˜job done' while rival O'Shea defends Italy

Wales produced a mixed performance – sparkling in parts but sloppy in others – in scoring five tries to beat Italy 38-14 and register a bonus-point win at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The victory moved Wales into second with a one-point advantage over England and France –and another bonus-point success against Les Bleus in Cardiff on Saturday will see them confirmed as runners-up to champions Ireland.

“It was a job done, it’s what we wanted,” Gatland said after Wales had beaten Italy for the 12th consecutive time with George North (two), Hadleigh Parkes, Cory Hill and Justin Tipuric scoring tries.

“We’ve got a six-day turnaround and we’ve given players an opportunity.

“To make 10 changes, score the points we did, and win comfortably was the pleasing aspect.

“At times we looked absolutely outstanding and great, and at other times we lacked cohesion.

“But that’s probably to be expected when guys have not played together. Some elements of the game were frustrating and we’ll go away and work on that.

“But we achieved what we wanted to do, to get a bonus point and have our destiny in our own hands next week to finish second in the championship.”

Defeat condemned Italy to collecting the wooden spoon for the 13th time in 19 seasons since joining the Championship in 2000.

Italy have conceded 23 tries in their four games this season, but coach Conor O’Shea spoke defiantly about the Azzurri’s rugby future.

“We have held our hands up as a country and said what we haven’t done,” O’Shea said.

“We are doing a heck of a lot, we will fight every battle and improve every week.

“If you go around the clubs, see the under-20s beating Wales, and look at the players coming through, we are building a team and we are building a system piece by piece.

“I am not here for me, I am here for Italian rugby. We deserve our place. We are doing everything that is right for Italian rugby – we will get there. Full stop.”