Wales’ result against Italy, their first in the 2024 Six Nations showed a team which was ready to battle and scrap their way to a result.

It wasn’t the prettiest of performances in front of a record crowd at the Principality Stadium, but you cannot overstate it’s importance to the players and in particular, coach Ioan Cunningham.

Going into the game, Wales knew they needed a win, to score four tries with an 18-points difference swing to avoid a wooden spoon and whilst they will still finish bottom of the tournament, the reaction of players and Cunningham showed how crucial the result was.

Some had been putting pressure on Cunningham in recent weeks, pointing fingers to Wales’ inability to score tries and a back line failing to click despite several having had experience of playing together under the tutelage of Welshman Sean Lynn at Gloucester Hartpury.

Against Italy, Wales reverted to what has been successful for them in previous Six Nations with each of their three tries coming through their front row from short range.

Upon the final whistle the cameras panned to a visibly emotional Cunningham in the stands as his side celebrated a first win in eight games.

“It’s massive, there’s so much energy, effort and work gone into this campaign,” said Cunningham to the BBC after the match.

“Things haven’t gone our way, it means so much for us all and I’m delighted we got across the line.

“Pressure’s a privilege, we are lucky to do what we do, it’s hard at times but moments like that are so special.

“I’m so pleased for the players because they’ve put in so much hard work, had to go through tough meetings but to show grit at the end and claw it back is brilliant.”

Claw it back they did, having gone behind with 10 minutes remaining and after having a try from Georgia Evans controversially ruled out with five minutes remaining, Wales were able to keep their composure as Sisilia Tuipulotu surged over with two minutes remaining.

“It’s been a tough campaign, it’s not where we want to be but to get the win today is huge, a springboard back to where we want to get to,” Cunningham added.

“We’re not a bad team, we’re trying to change how we play and we’ll get there.

“We can build on that, whatever’s next for us now we’ll focus on that and try and get some more wins, exposing some young talent and building on the experience we’ve got.”

If anyone had doubted Cunningham’s commitment it was clear for all to see and the high regard his team feel for him was shown by the way they mobbed their head coach in a show of solidarity whilst he was on air.

The result does see Wales slip down the ranks in the WXV and will now be competing two levels below where they did last Autumn now in WXV3, whilst World Cup qualification has become much more difficult.

But for now, Wales can celebrate and they will certainly do just that.