Wales Women finished the Six Nations with the Wooden Spoon for the third year running after a heavy 43-24 defeat to Italy at the Arms Park. The result piles pressure on head coach Sean Lynn following a dismal campaign.
Italy ran in seven tries through Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi (two), Francesca Granzotto, Alyssa D'Inca (two), Francesca Sgorbini and Veronica Madia, with Michela Sillari adding eight points from the boot. Wales responded with four tries from Courtney Keight, Carys Cox, Kelsey Jones and Kayleigh Powell, while Keira Bevan kicked four points.
Wales made a poor start as Minuzzi scored a well-worked try out wide. Keight levelled for the hosts, but Granzotto charged down a kick to run in unopposed. Cox then crossed after a gap created by Keight, though the try was referred to the TMO for a potential knock-on before being awarded. Italy regained the lead through D'Inca before Jones powered over from a driving maul, giving Wales a slender 19-17 lead at half-time.
Italy dominated after the break, with Sgorbini scoring from a maul and Minuzzi adding her second. Granzotto was sin-binned for a dangerous tip tackle, but Madia and D'Inca extended the lead further. Powell scored a consolation try late on, but it was too little too late for Wales.
