Italy 10-36 Wales Women: Welsh team reach new heights after five-try victory

Wales Women ended their TikTok Six Nations campaign with a bonus point victory over Italy in Parma that sealed a third-place finish.

Tries from Bethan Lewis, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Sioned Harries, Alex Callender and Kerin Lake ensured that Wales will be playing in the top tier of the new WXV competition this autumn after their top-three finish, allowing them to build on a promising campaign with matches against the world's best later this year.

Wales had managed just one victory over Italy in their last eight meetings, with that coming back in 2017. But, they ended that six-year wait with a clinical victory over the Azzure that will move them up to their highest ever ranking of sixth in the world.

The first-half was largely dominated by Ioan Cunningham's side, who enjoyed considerably more possession and territory. That appeared to be paying off as they slowly built a 10-0 lead.

After a nice break from Sioned Harries around the fringes, Keira Bevan opened the scoring from the tee after seven minutes.

It would take until 25 minutes before Wales would trouble the scorers again. After Bevan nearly got over from a quick tap penalty, Wales kept their patience - with Lewis powering over from close range.

However, in the blink of an eye, the Azzure forced their way back into things. Regathering the kick-off, they worked an immediate opportunity for wing Aura Muzzo down the left flank.

Somehow, Wales captain Hannah Jones got back to deny her with a last-gasp tackle, only for fly-half Veronica Madia to spot some space around the fringes to dive over.

Minutes later, as Italy's attack continued to cause problems, the boot of Michela Sillari - who had broken Welsh hearts last year with a late penalty in Cardiff - drew the scores level.