Wales revive title aspirations

The Cardiff Blues flanker scored his debut Test try as Wales ultimately subdued a battling Italian side 24-16 at the Stadio Flaminio.

While it was hardly a vintage performance in Rome, Wales ensured they remained in the title mix ahead of their final two appointments with Ireland and France.

Warburton said: “It was looking all doom and gloom after the England game, but two away wins is good. We go into the Ireland game with a lot of confidence now and it is a home game we must win.”

However, Wales know they will need to play much smarter when Ireland arrive at the Millennium Stadium on March 12.

Captain marvel Sergio Parisse apart, Italy did not possess sufficient quality to capitalise on overwhelming territorial dominance in the second half, and a ninth wooden spoon in 12 seasons of Six Nations rugby now beckons.

They also missed four kicks at goal – Mirco Bergamasco and Luciano Orquera the culprits – with Wales requiring a late James Hook drop-goal to calm their nerves following first-half scores from Warburton and wing Morgan Stoddart, while Stephen Jones kicked 11 points.

Warburton added: “If we had played in the second half like we did in the first we could have run away with it.

“We made the Italian pack work in the first half.”