Wales have assured themselves of a berth in the quarter finals with a hard fought 27-15 win over Italy in the crunch Pool D decider at Canberra Stadium tonight.
Wales scored three converted tries to nil to put them clear of Italy in second place in the Pool behind New Zealand with a match in hand.
Right wing Jones and centre Sonny Parker scored two of Wales’ tries at either end of the first half as the Red Dragons lead 20-9 at the break
Italy clawed back into contention with two early second half penalties to impressive fly half Rima Wakarua and had drawn to within five points with 30 minutes left on the clock.
Arm wrestle
The arm wrestle continued until blindside flanker Dafydd Jones crashed over from a forward drive in the 64th minute to seal it for Wales.
Inside centre Iestyn Harris added his third conversion for a 27-15 lead.
The Italians put up a huge fight for much of the match and dominated position and possession –especially in the first half - with block busting blind side flanker Andrea de Rossi leading the charge.
But stoic Welsh defence denied the Azzurri, who were inches from the Welsh line on occasion.
Defence to attack
Wales had the ability to turn their defence into attack and then into points virtually every time they entered the Italian quarter.
Centre Sonny Parker scored the try of the match, bursting onto the end of a sweeping movement, after a break by fly half Ceri Sweeney to score in the corner in the 38th minute.
Captain and number 8 Colin Charvis got through a mountain of work for the victors as did big veteran lock Gareth Llewellyn before he came off in the 50th minute.
Italy go home beaten but not unbowed with outstanding loose forwards Aarom Persico and Sergio Parisse capping off fine Tournaments with good displays tonight.
Scorers:
Wales 27:
Tries: Mark Jones, Sonny Parker, Dafydd Jones
Conv: Iestyn Harris 3
Pens: Harris 2
Italy 15:
Pens: Rima Wakarua 5