Six Nations champions Wales stunned by historic defeat to Italy

Wales ended their Six Nations campaign with a humiliating defeat as Italy stunned them 22-21 at the Principality Stadium.

Last season’s champions had hoped to give milestone stars Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones a day to remember.

Skipper Biggar became the seventh Welshman to collect 100 caps, while Jones clocked up 150 Wales appearances, making him the first player in international rugby union history to reach that figure.

But the script was torn up by an Italian side that claimed a first Six Nations victory for seven years tha

Italy clinched a spectacular triumph a minute from time when full-back Ange Capuozzo attacked from inside his own half, and Edoardo Padovani claimed a try that Paolo Garbisi converted to spark wild scenes of Azzurri celebration.

Padovani had earlier kicked two penalties and Garbisi three as Wales were grounded despite perfect conditions and glorious sunshine in Cardiff.

Owen Watkin, Dewi Lake and Josh Adams scored tries for Wales, with Biggar converting all three, but it will go down as one of the darkest days in their history after losing to the regular Six Nations wooden-spoonists.

Wales coach Wayne Pivac made seven changes following a narrow defeat against France last time out, including a first Test start for hooker Lake, while full-back Johnny McNicholl, centre Uilisi Halaholo and prop Dillon Lewis were also among those called up.

Wales look stunned after the Six Nations defeat to Italy. AP

Italy made a bright start, with wing Monty Ioane putting early defensive pressure on McNicholl, and it took Wales 10 minutes before they could establish any kind of threatening position inside the Azzurri’s 22.

But that opportunity was wasted after Lake, making his first Test start, overthrew an attacking