Wales ended what has been a disappointing 6 Nations campaign on something of a high by defeating Italy 33-10 at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Warren Gatland's men went into the game knowing that a shock defeat could see them claim the dubious honour of winning the 'wooden spoon' but they were always in command against an Italian side that appeared to have little left in the tank after four encouraging Championship displays.
James Hook will dominate the headlines after bagging two tries, while the prolific Shane Williams' extended his lead at the top of the Welsh try-scoring charts with his second-half effort. However, fly-half Stephen Jones was the star of the show for the home side, playing an integral role in everything positive that Wales produced as well as converting all three tries and kicking four penalties.
Italy enjoyed plenty of possession in the first half but, as per usual, never looked remotely like troubling the Welsh line. Wales looked far more menacing with ball in hand but, in the face of some excellent Italian defensive work, were forced to settle for nothing more than four first-half penalties from Jones.
The tries their attacking endeavour warranted finally arrived in the second half, though. Hook bagged his first on 50 minutes, darting over from close range after breaking through a desperately weak challenge from Italy's replacement scrum-half Tito Tebaldi, who had come on for Pablo Canavosio.
The Ospreys centre struck again just before the hour after coming onto a lovely flat pass from Jones, the score arriving barely 60 seconds after Mauro Bergamasco had been made the scapegoat for Italy's incessant ill-discipline at teh breakdown and shown a yellow card.
Mirco Bergamasco finally got Italy off with a penalty moments before his brother's return to the fray but Wales put the outcome beyond all doubt when winger Williams dived over from the base of a ruck after scrum-half Mike Phillips had been grounded just short.
Credit to Italy, though, while they may have been thoroughly out of on their feet, they kept fighting until the end and were rewarded for their resilience when full-back Luke McLean jinked his way over late on.