Player Ratings: Wales

OPINION: Wales player ratings: Warren Gatland’s Wales have plumbed new depths in Rome, losing to Italy 22-15 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Here we rate the players:

15. Freddie Thomas – 4.5
Called into the game for Liam Williams at the last minute but needs to be more dominant when contesting high balls and a bit more composed at crucial times, especially when he was denied a try for a double movement.

14. Tom Rogers – 4
Didn’t contribute much in attack but did show his defensive value with six tackles. Can’t have any complaints about being replaced for the final 20 minutes by Josh Hathaway.

13. Nick Tompkins – 4
Taken off for an HIA (triggered by his smart mouthguard) but got the nod to return. He never really got into the game and struggled to get on the front foot with the ball in hand. A very quiet outing.

12. Eddie James – 4
A player with huge potential who can cause significant problems when used correctly, but he received almost no quality ball and remained anonymous as a result.

11. Josh Adams – 5
Prowled out wide looking for an opportunity to strike and was particularly unlucky the ball didn’t sit up for an early try. Sent to the bunker for a high tackle on Paolo Garbisi but was fortunate to avoid a red card.

10. Ben Thomas – 3
Looked like an inside centre filling in at fly-half in challenging conditions. Too predictable and needed to vary his play. Couldn’t have argued if he’d been replaced at half-time.

9. Tomos Williams – 7.5
Showed excellent vision, always seeking space, and his kicking was a real positive. However, he lacked the necessary support from teammates. Still, he was one of the brighter spots for Warren Gatland.

1. Gareth Thomas – 4.5
Battled on despite picking up a dead leg in the first half and was subbed out just after the break when Gatland changed up the front row.

2. Evan Lloyd – 4.5
Eager to carry whenever possible and nearly grabbed a first-half try before running out of space down the blindside. Replaced early in the second half.

3. Henry Thomas – 4.5
The seventh tighthead Gatland has used in the last 15 months but conceded a couple of penalties. Might get another look at the experience he brings.

4. Will Rowlands – 4.5
Knocked on in contact when Wales needed to retain possession and conceded a penalty due to slow support. Lost a couple of turnovers but was at least willing to carry.

5. Blair Murray – 6
A late inclusion after Dafydd Jenkins was ruled out. Showed good skills under the high ball and displayed nice footwork and pace to almost spark havoc on a wet pitch.

6. James Botham – 5
A tough day for the Wales pack, who came off second best at the breakdown. Still, he managed Wales’ only turnover and carried when he could.

7. Jac Morgan – 7.5
Picked up where he left off in the heavy defeat to France. Leads by example and isn’t afraid to get stuck in, topping the tackle charts. Shame more of his teammates couldn’t match his effort.

8. Taulupe Faletau – 8
After questions about whether his best days were behind him, he showed how much Wales has missed his carrying and tackling. An impressive return since his last appearance in 2023.

Replacements

16. Elliot Dee – 5
Introduced early in the second half. Carried when the chance arose and was accurate with his lineout throwing.

17. Nicky Smith – 5
Part of the wholesale changes; a greasy ball led to a turnover but he did what was required in the scrum.

18. Keiron Assiratti – 4.5
Conceded a penalty but didn’t stand out otherwise. Wasn’t found wanting in the scrum.

19. Teddy Williams – 4
On for the final 23 minutes in place of Rowlands and made a tackle. Not much else to report.

20. Aaron Wainwright – 4.5
His close-range bulldozer try from a rolling maul gave Wales a glimmer of hope, causing Italy a brief scare.

21. Rhodri Williams – 4
Replaced one of Wales’ best performers late on. Didn’t do anything notably wrong, but had little impact.

22. Dan Edwards – 5.5
Spotted chatting to Rob Howley at half-time; came on after 48 minutes to win his second cap. Managed those around him better than Ben Thomas.

23. Josh Hathaway – 5
Initially came on as cover after Tompkins took a knock and survived a hefty hit from Sebastian Negri. Got a second stint in place of Rogers.

By Neil Fissler