It was a hugely improved performance on last week’s rearranged clash with Ireland which they lost 36-0 in Ashbourne, the second successive game in which they had been kept scoreless.

And while the Welsh face a huge challenge against France next week, who won their first three games before a 15-3 defeat to England, Bowden insists the team is going in the right direction.

She said: “The girls were determined to bounce back after last week's disappointing showing. We showed against Italy what we can do. The backs scored three of the four tries and looked dangerous on a number of occasions.

“We had to soak up a lot of pressure early on but we expected them to come at us. “Hopefully we can now use this as a springboard for next week's game against France at Pandy Park.”