Coach Steve Tandy says Wales’ brave display in the 27-17 defeat to Ireland does not give them a “God-given right” to beat Italy next weekend.
Wales were heavy underdogs but produced their best performance since Tandy took over last year, never allowing Ireland to pull clear in Dublin on Friday.
It was another sign of improvement after Wales pushed Scotland close a fortnight ago.
However, Wales’ losing run in the Six Nations has now stretched to 15 matches.
Tandy’s first Six Nations campaign began with heavy defeats to England (48-7) and France (54-12), but the 46-year-old said Friday’s performance was the best by his team since he officially took charge in September.
“I think going away from home when you think back to England,” he said.
“This group, like I say all the time, are unbelievable to work with. They are always learning and growing. There’s been a lot of growth as well.
“I know it’s tough as everyone wants us to win.
“When you think of the start we had in England and where we’ve come to, this performance tells you so much about the group, the learning and where we want to go.”
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However, Wales are still staring at a third successive wooden spoon.
A victory in Cardiff over Italy would end their long losing run, although it may still not be enough to prevent them finishing bottom of the table.
Tandy warned that recent progress does not guarantee success against a much-improved Italian side.
“We believe we can win games, but it is easy now to think just because we’ve had performances that the win will come,” he said.
“We haven’t got a God-given right to go and get a win against Italy next Saturday because they’ve grown.
“They went through a similar thing to us for a long period of time and it took a while to get there.
“But I do believe the win is around the corner for us. We have to accelerate faster than others because ultimately we are 12th in the world for a reason.”
Tandy, who spent six years as Scotland’s defence coach before taking the Wales job, believes improvements in that area are beginning to show.
“There’s a lot of learning because when we came in during the autumn there were lots of new systems and different language,” he said.
“As much as you’ll see toughness in our group, there was a lot of skill around the defence as well.”
Flanker Alex Mann earned praise for his defensive work, including intercepting a pass from Ireland scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park to stop a certain try.
Prop Rhys Carre also caught the eye with a powerful try just before half-time, stepping past defenders and sprinting 30m to score.
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Carre’s return after being dropped in 2023 by former coach Warren Gatland has been a boost for Wales.
“He’s been a massive credit,” said Tandy. “I think all the plaudits should go to Rhys in how he’s come back into the environment, how open he’s been, the mindset he’s brought and the way he trains.”
Tandy believes players such as Carre and Mann are helping to build a stronger unit for the future.
“I know it probably frustrates people when I say it, but you can’t get something unless you build a real foundation,” he said.
“I believe we’re starting to build a foundation. International sport is about winning, but we are not a team that cut corners to get to that point yet.”
– AFP
Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
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