Wales have developed a new, stronger resolve according to second-row Alun Wyn Jones.
Speaking after his side’s second successive victory on the road in the 2011 RBS 6 Nations Championship, the British and Irish Lion believes Wales are stronger and more resilient under pressure.
Wales were forced on the defensive for long periods of the second-half in Rome and they dealt with the pressure well according to Jones, who believes playing the world’s best sides so regularly has strengthened Wales.
“We went through a period of 8 to 12 months last year where would we have been in a similar position as we were today but we may not have been as strong,” he said.
“We were under pressure after giving a penalty away at a lineout and then Italy chose to take the scrum. But we came through that and relieved the pressure and we were always confident that we would come away with the result.”
“Our patience was good, there were times we were without the ball but we held out.
“At the moment there is a lot of play and endeavour in us and that’s a good thing.”
Italy are still without a victory in this year’s championship but have put in strong performances in their two homes games against Ireland and Wales and Wyn-Jones was full of praise for his opponents.
“People under estimate Italy. They are a big strong pack and when you look at the squads Treviso and Aironi have got you can see the quality of the players they have,” he added.
“It is no mean feat to beat them, especially over here. It is like playing in a coliseum out here, it’s a great atmosphere.”
