Rugby: Wales down Italy in Six Nations

Wales centre Jamie Roberts scores his try during the RBS Six Nations match between Wales and Italy at the Millennium stadium. Photo / Getty Images.

Jamie Roberts propelled Wales to a 24-3 Six Nations victory over Italy today to keep their hopes of a third grand slam in eight years alive.

Following three Championship triumphs, Wales were overwhelming favourites to cruise past winless Italy at the Millennium Stadium.

But dogged Italy made life difficult for the hosts despite their abundance of brute force and finesse.

Warren Gatland's men led by just six points at the interval thanks to a hat-trick of penalties from Leigh Halfpenny despite dominating both territory and possession.

But Roberts raced clear for a break-away try on the hour mark to put Wales in a commanding position.

Italy continued to disturb Wales but man-of-the-match Alex Cuthbert scorched clear at the death to put the result beyond doubt.

The Dragons can now look forward to a grand slam showdown with World Cup heartbreakers France in a week's time.

Wales were without Sam Warburton, after their inspirational skipper failed to recover from the Championship-threatening knee injury he suffered against England, with Ospreys youngster Justin Tipuric starting in his place.

But they welcomed back former captain Matthew Rees, who reformed the Dragons' all-Lions front-row for the first time since November 2010.

Luke Charteris also made his long-awaited international comeback off the replacement bench following the wrist injury he suffered at the World Cup.

Jamie Roberts came closest to breaking the deadlock after latching on to a Faletau offload. But the burly centre was hauled down short by Luke McLean and Alberto Scarbi.

Wales settled for Halfpenny's third penalty after Bergamasco was harshly penalised at the breakdown. Italy responded with a late rally but Wales held strong to enter the interval leading 9-3.

Wales were frustrated by Italy following the restart of play but Roberts struck with a long-range effort to settle the hosts' nerves.

Alun Wyn Jones pounced on loose ball inside the Welsh half and the ball was spread through Mike Phillips, Halfpenny and Priestland's hands for Roberts to slice through the Azzurri defence.

Halfpenny slotted the extras to hand Wales a 16-3 lead. They continued to cause Italy problems in attack but were dealt a major blow when the full-back was cruelly shown yellow after colliding with Parisse - despite competing for the ball.

Mass substitutions disrupted the flow of the game in the final quarter but Wales hung-on despite their numerical disadvantage.

With Halfpenny in the bin, Priestland stretched the lead further on 69 minutes and Cuthbert rounded off the victory with minutes to spare.

Captain Jenkins took a quick-tap and released Cuthbert, who went outside Fabio Staibano and raced clear before squeezing into the corner.