Wales stayed on course for the Grand Slam by beating Italy 24-3 in the Six Nations despite an unconvincing performance at the Millennium Stadium yesterday.

Wales dominated possession and territory but was only 9-3 ahead until center Jamie Roberts sprinted 80 metres and touched down 10 minutes into the second half.

Leigh Halfpenny added the conversion to his three first-half penalties and Wales was in control. Rhys Priestland kicked another penalty and wing Alex Cuthbert added a second try late on when he fended off a prop and scrambled over in the corner.

With four wins from four, Wales hosts France in next week’s final round aiming for its third Grand Slam in eight seasons.

The match could have been very different had Italy not spurned the chance to kick at goal with the score at 6-3. Optimistic of a breakthrough, The Italians opted to kick for a lineout near the Welsh line and, although they just hung on to the ball at the throw, there was no momentum for a catch and drive and they turned over possession almost immediately after.

Halfpenny soon stretched the home side’s lead with a penalty awarded against Simone Favaro for sealing the ball off at the ruck and the chance was gone.

Wales’ domination merited the lead even if they failed to create clear openings.

The Welsh completed 104 passes to 17 by Italy in the opening 40 minutes and forced the visitors into 86 first-half tackles, making only 10 themselves. Captain and No. 8 Sergio Parisse denied Halfpenny a try in the corner with a last-ditch tackle but that was as close as either team came to crossing before the break.