Calon Rugby

Not much of a spectacle in Cardiff as Wales completed their fourth win of the Championship. Much more attritional than free-flowing, in part down to whistle-happy referee George Clancy. However, Wales managed to break down the well-organised defence to set up a Grand Slam showdown versus the French.

Here’s how the players rated

15 - Leigh Halfpenny - On the receiving end of a dubious yellow card decision ended his game but this shouldn’t undermine another accomplished performance from the Blues full back. Perfect kicking, composed with ball in hand and denied a try by a fine piece of defending from Sergio Parisse. Exudes class at 15.7/10

14 - Alex Cuthbert - Seems to enjoy playing in the capital, capping his second Millennium Stadium start with a second try on home turf. Looked menacing with ball in hand and looked for work all game long.8/10

13 - Jonathan Davies - Didn’t get the clean line breaks he would have wanted but looks menacing everytime he gets the ball, if there is a half-gap in front of him he’ll exploit it. Forming a formidable partnership with Roberts.7/10

12 - Jamie Roberts - Wanted to impress following a disappointing performance at Twickenham and managed to cross the whitewash for a try along with the usual big carries and solid defence. Still feel like he can move up a gear to that devastating form of Lions tour in 2009 and RWC 2011.7/10

11 - George North - Italy sucessfully managed to shakle the mountainous teenager. Still made some huge carries and will be relishing the opportunity to avenge the RWC misery next week.6/10

10 - Rhys Priestland - Drew his man nicely to set up Roberts for his try but still doesn’t look comfortable at the moment, often getting snagged behind the gainline. Expect Gatland to stick with him for the big game though.5/10

9 - Mike Phillips - Orchestrated his forwards sucessfully and was a handful as always but made a few silly errors that he won’t be pleased with. Still looks in good nick and will be a key player against the French6/10

1 - Gethin Jenkins - Immense around the park as always, looking like an extra back row forward at times. His captaincy looked a little naive though and should have gone for the points rather than touch in first half. Got the job done and will be pleased to have broken his duck as skipper7/10

2 - Matthew Rees - Back in the number 2 jersey for the first time since last year’s championship. Effective around the field and throwing was ok but not his finest game for Wales. Gatland faced with a tough choice with Ken Owens playing well6/10

3 - Adam Jones - The rock in the Welsh scrummage as always, gave his opposite number a tough time and put a real shift in around the park.7/10

4 - Alun Wyn Jones - A little quiet from the usually talismanic lock but made a crucial steal to help set up Roberts’ try. Will be interesting to see if Gatland sticks with him with Charteris fit again6/10

5 - Ian Evans - Probably his quietest game of the tournament, has still added a real nasty edge to the pack and would be very surprised if he didn’t start next week.7/10

6 - Dan Lydiate - Top tackler yet again, constantly cutting off opposition attacks at the source (not that Italy offered much in that respect.) Is nailed on to the number 6 shirt at the moment8/10

7 - Justin Tipuric - Showed real glimpses of his spark in the loose, offers something very different to Warburton, although the home team missed the captain’s presence at the breakdown.7/10

8 - Toby Faletau - Some good carries and good off-loading along with the usual solid defence. Still awaiting the explosive breaks he is capable of, perhaps they’re being saved for the biggest stage…7/10

Replacements - All the bench got on to the field with Rhys Webb winning his first cap and looking lively. Paul James and Ken Owens put in steady shifts, while Ryan Jones continued his lively form. James Hook got a rare run out after recovering from chicken pox, while Twickenham hero Scott Williams had little time and ball to impress. The same couldn’t be said for departing Dragon Luke Charteris who made himself a real nuisance at the lineout and put in some fine tackles, including a crunching hit on Gonzalo Canale. Impressive stuff from the second row who will make sure Gatland and Edwards have to think long and hard about team selection