Relief and pride as agonising Wales wait for win ends

That was more like it.

As rugby fans across Europe wake up on Sunday and reflect on the most dramatic Six Nations finale, decided by Thomas Ramos’ last-gasp kick that sealed the title for France, something is stirring at the other end of the table.

Wales might have secured the Wooden Spoon for the third consecutive year, but on this occasion the campaign has ended with victory and hope.

A 31-17 home win for Wales against Italy in previous years would have been considered routine, perhaps even underwhelming.

It proved anything but at a rocking Principality Stadium on Saturday evening as head coach Steve Tandy said he was overwhelmed.

Some would say it was worth the wait, others would say it is just one victory and beating Italy in Cardiff should be the norm, but winning for Wales has been the exception in the past three years.

Wales had not tasted a Six Nations success since 11 March 2023 – 15 games and 1,099 days ago – when they won in Rome.

There had already been green shoots of recovery in defeats by Scotland and Ireland – and Wales produced the performance nearly 70,000 fans inside Principality Stadium had craved, to register a first Six Nations home win since February 2022. Or 1,491 days. Those statistics can now be consigned to history.

“We were back at home in front of an amazing crowd who have supported us through tough times,” said captain Dewi Lake.

It has not been easy for this squad who have had to overcome adversity on and off the field.

“This is a group that massively deserves that result,” said Lake.

“They’ve worked hard and turned up through tough times. It’s easy to say we’re expected to do it and it’s what we’re here to do.

Whether performance or result was more important had proved the theme of the week.

During the build-up, Tandy and Lake both insisted it was the performance. After the game the duo doubled down on that.

“I know people think it’s talk, but I genuinely believe it’s performance,” said the head coach.

“Some of the group are growing with experience and they are unbelievable to work with, but we can‘t get too far ahead of ourselves.

“So if you get the performance, results will follow. It’s a great day for us.”

It was a good day for Tandy, who celebrated his first Six Nations win as Wales head coach and only his second victory in nine games in charge.

The players speak with great affection about their boss and believe in his long-term project.

“This is something we’ve been building towards,” said Lake. “When Steve talks about the performance over the result, it’s a genuine point for us.

Wales were grateful for two of their more experienced players delivering starring roles, with number eight Aaron Wainwright scoring two tries and captain Lake grabbing another.

Wainwright, who has provided a ball-carrying presence alongside Rhys Carre and Eddie James, has been Wales’ standout player in the tournament with five outstanding displays, overcoming injury issues in the past couple of games.

“He’s a fantastic player,” said Tandy. “We were concerned last week after he had a bump. But I’ve never seen him so focused.

“Even thought there was a bit of doubt, he said he was playing.”

Hooker Lake has responded after a difficult opening personal performance in the 48-7 defeat by England.

He has been inspirational on the field and impressive off it, with Tandy now having a leadership decision to consider when regular captain and flanker Jac Morgan returns from injury.

“The skipper has been brilliant over the last six weeks,” said Tandy. “The way he’s integrating with referees, the way he’s learning constantly around his leadership.

“The good leaders play well and Dewi does that. He doesn’t miss a minute in training and wants to keep getting better.”

Wales are also starting to find players who could be international stars of the future.

Centre James has been Wales’ breakthrough player in this tournament and it was heart-warming for him to celebrate a first international win.

Fly-half Dan Edwards produced his finest performance for Wales in his 16-point haul.

He darted over for an early second-half try and the Ospreys outside-half added a superb long-range drop goal to four conversions that guided Wales into a 31-0 lead.

Edwards has bounced back after being dropped following the second game against France for Sam Costelow.

“He was outstanding,” said Tandy. “There’s certain positions where we’re getting a little bit more competitive, which is exciting.

“Costelow did brilliantly against Scotland but unfortunately he had an injury, then Dan has taken his opportunity which is brilliant.”

Wales’ defence is much improved since the opening two games when Tandy’s side conceded 15 tries and 102 points against England and France.

Wales have conceded 11 tries in the following three games, with far greater physicality demonstrated as the squad have responded to the coaching efforts of Tandy and Dan Lydiate.

This was especially evident in Dublin and the second-half defensive display against Italy, typified by Ellis Mee’s last-ditch tackle to stop a score for Italy wing Monty Ioane.

Wales’ efforts in the final quarter ensured they avoided the ignominy of conceding a try bonus in all five of this year’s fixtures, having conceded at least four tries in each of their previous four games.

“We’re always talking about margins and those are fine margins,” said Tandy. “That was really pleasing and the last 10 minutes against Italy did feel long and drag out.”

Former Glasgow defence coach Peter Murchie will join Tandy’s backroom staff on a permanent basis in the summer after finishing his club commitments in Japan.

Murchie will have a defensive platform to work from when he watches the second half of the championship and the efforts of the likes of Alex Mann, James Botham, Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter.

“There’s never been a question of desire, physicality or work ethic in this group,” said Tandy.

“It’s just getting to understand how far they can go with that work ethic, where they can go physically.

Welsh rugby will allow itself to savour a long overdue win but in typical fashion that will not be for too long.

One Test win will not alleviate the chaos and turmoil in which Welsh rugby remains.

Tandy’s next assignment is an uncapped match against the Barbarians at the end of June in Twickenham before three games against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the new Nations Championship in July.

In those three months the off-the-field disputes surrounding the future of the Welsh professional game will intensify.

It started just 30 minutes after the final whistle when Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby Dave Reddin appeared on television to do a live interview, which had been pre-planned regardless of the result.

Such is the current unpopularity of the WRU, Reddin was castigated on social media for speaking at this particular time and not directly responding to a question from former Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones, which Reddin said he could not hear.

Reddin was also criticised for what he said, as he doubled down on the governing body’s plans to cut a professional men’s side, reducing the number to three.

There will now be a tumultuous period with the WRU trying to push through their controversial policies which they say need to happen to improve Welsh rugby.

Opponents, including fans and politicians, insist four professional teams must remain.

They blame the WRU for the mess Welsh rugby is in and criticise the governing body‘s plan and methods used in trying to implement the proposals.

The WRU faces an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) next month, which includes a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood, and have a legal battle with Swansea Council who fear for the professional future of the Ospreys.

Supporters and players are still concerned about the uncertainty, while Morgan and Lake moving to Gloucester next season means half of Wales’ starting forward pack will be playing for clubs in England.

Those conflicts might be for another day, but those days will be very soon, probably starting this week.

So Welsh rugby fans should savour this overdue win against Italy for now because the feelings of joy might not last that long.

But let Welsh rugby have that moment at least.