Wales U20s 20-27 Italy U20s: Byron Hayward's side end Six Nations with Italian defeat

Wales U20s ended their Six Nations campaign with defeat to Italy in Colwyn Bay.

Late scores from replacement Luke Davies and captain Alex Mann gave them hope of snatching a late draw, but the Italians were deserving of the bonus point victory that ensured they finished in the top three in this tournament for the first time in their history.

Whereas Saturday's result in the senior match came as a real upset, Italy U20s headed into this match as favourites following wins over England and Scotland and they showed why after just four minutes.

A stunning move from deep saw centre Francois Mey cross for the opening try.

Two penalties from Wales fly-half Joe Hawkins reduced the gap to a single point, but Italy once again hit back with another flowing try.

This time, it was Mey who turned provider - running back a loose kick before feeding scrum-half Alessandro Garbisi, the brother of the man, Paulo, who kicked the winning conversion in Cardiff, to score.

A penalty from Giovanni Sante on the stroke of half-time gave the visitors a comfortable lead at the break. Things got worse for Wales after the restart when winger Josh Hathaway was sent to the sin-bin after just 17 seconds for a dangerous tackle in the air.

Italy would make the numerical advantage count, with left winger Filippo Lazzarin making the most of Hathaway's absence to break from deep and set up Garbisi for his second.

Just after the hour mark, Italy got the bonus point when Lapo Frangini broke away from a powerful driving maul to burrow his way over.

Wales hit back immediately to register their first score, with Davies taking an offload from Eddie Davies to dive over.

And Mann's score with five minutes left gave them hopes of a comeback, but it wasn't to be as Wales U20s