Wales vs Italy: The standout performers
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For the first time in well over five years, a team other than Italy will lift the 6Nations wooden spoon after Italy's spirited showing against Wales, saw them claim a hard fought 24-21 victory at the principality stadium in Cardiff.
The loss for the Dragons see's an end to a sub par 6Nations performance, one that they will be looking to forget sooner rather than late. For La Azzuri, its a massive step in the right direction, having broken into the World Rankings top 10 again, they will look to go into their next test fixture scheduled for July against Japan, teeming with confidence.
Let us take a look at three of the best players in the first of the final round fixtures of the 6Nations.
Juan Ignacio Brex
A performance undoubtedly deserving of the man of the match award. The centre was outsanding on the day, beating 1 defender while gaing a total of 18 metres in the process. Brex also carried the ball 6 times while completing 9 passes and forcing one turnover.
His defense too was to be lauded making a total of 12 tackles, contributing to another dominant Italy defensive display.
Michele Lamaro
Another week, another hard day at the office for the Italian skipper. The openside flanker was nothing short of amazing yet again with his 20 metres gained off 6 carries while completing the same amount of passes (6).
His attacking display was concluded by beating 2 defenders. Defense is where the Benneton man shone brightests again. After forcing three turnovers, Lamaro completed 21 tackles, 3 more than his tally of 18 against Scotland last week.
Paolo Garbisi
The Italian Fly-half ran the game like a general while showing that he is a huge threat on attack, with his 38 metres made, and two defenders beaten off 9 carries. 1 offload along with 2 turnovers contributed to Garbisi's numbers.
Garbisi also contributed to the resolute Italian defense with his 14 tackles.