Coach Gatland glad to see Wales get into gear against Italians after another stuttering season

It was a case of too little too late for Wales as they outclassed Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

The Dragons have failed to fire this season, losing to a poor England side, Ireland and France. And that has prompted fans to question the position of coach Warren Gatland just two years after the Kiwi landed the Grand Slam.

But on home turf yesterday the Welsh looked like getting back to somewhere near their best as they were too good for the Azzurri in a one-sided clash in Cardiff.

James Hook scored two tries and Shane Williams one as the hosts humbled their guests.

With several experienced operators returning from injury and 18-year-old winger Tom Prydie making a debut as their youngest-ever international, Wales showed glimpses of the sharp handling and attacking verve that took them to the Grand Slam 24 months ago.

Four Stephen Jones penalties had them 12-0 ahead at half time before outside centre Hook scored two well-crafted tries in five minutes early in the second half.

Winger Williams got the third try for Gatland’s men, who finish fourth in the championship, before fullback Luke McLean scored a consolation for Italy. And Gatland was happy to finally see his side play with the attacking verve he knows they are capable of.

“I’m pretty pleased, I thought we played some outstanding rugby at times and it was nice to go in at half-time with a lead,” the Kiwi said.

“There are still aspects we can work on but I thought it was a very professional performance and we showed potentially what we are capable when we’re not having to chase games.

“It’s been pretty frustrating (campaign) and I felt we haven’t played to our potential.

“Our position doesn’t reflect our quality but really we can take on any team in the world on level terms.

Today we put on a professional performance and showed what we are capable of.”

ones was the deserved man of the match having controlled the game from No.10. And the star stand-off said: “I’m very pleased, it was a very good performance, our most complete performance of the tournament.

“It’s just a shame it came in our last game, but we’re a good side. We made a few errors early in the tournament that cost us dearly, but we knew we could put things right and we are a good outfit.”

Surprisingly Italy boss Nick Mallett was far from downcast at his side’s defeat, compared to how he had felt after their 46-20 defeat by France.

“I am not at all disappointed with this defeat,” he said. “I am very proud of the team. I thought we were fantastic in defence and saved perhaps six to eight tries. We had players dropping like flies all over the pitch.

On Thursday we lost three players.”