Wales captain Davies frustrated despite win over Italy

Jonathan Davies conceded Wales will have to improve their performance considerably against England after toiling to victory over Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Warren Gatland’s side, showing 10 changes from the remarkable come-from-behind win over France last time out, prevailed 26-15 in Rome to claim a record-equalling 11th straight success.

Four Dan Biggar penalties and second-half tries from Josh Adams and Owen Watkin saw the visitors head back to Cardiff as leaders of the early table, ahead of a clash with England at the Principality Stadium in a fortnight.

“We will probably have to be a lot better than today, but the team are excited by that. It should be a tasty one,” Davies, captaining the side for the first time on his 70th appearance, told ITV Sport.

“I think there was a lot of frustration in the performance, that accuracy to turn pressure into points was what we lacked.

“We have come to a difficult place to play rugby and got a result.

“We expected to be smarter and cleaner with the ball. But it was great to show the depth of the squad and we are looking forward to a big match in two weeks’ time.”

Davies’ opposite number Sergio Parisse, meanwhile, rued the Azzurri’s failure to make their periods of pressure count when they reduced the deficit to 12-10 shortly after the interval.

Late defiance @sergioparisse #ITAvWAL #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/M0nCVVaEAx

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 9, 2019

“We lost a couple of opportunities in the second half, but the team was still fighting and scored a try in the end. Wales deserved their victory so we must keep working and growing,” he said.

“Now we have 15 days before receiving Ireland and now we must keep working in the same way. Credit to Wales of course but I can’t say to my team that they didn’t fight today.

“We did good things against Scotland and Wales, it’s not enough so we’ll keep working because Ireland will be another tough game at home.”

KEO.co.za News wire is powered by opta