Wales rugby star Josh Adams is being praised for a ‘beautiful’ sporting gesture as he gave his Man of the Match medal to Italian full-back Ange Capuozzo following Italy’s 22-21 win at the Principality Stadium.
Adams had been named Man of the Match by BBC commentator Jonathan Davies having showcased a sensational break to put the hosts in front with just 12 minutes remaining. The offensive moment came after a dramatic try-saving tackle from the Lions winger to deny Monty Ioane in the corner.
However, Italian star Capuozzo produced a stunning break in the final play to set up winger Edoardo Padovani for the try to secure a shock 22-21 win for the Azzuri. Fly-half Paolo Garbisi kicked the winning conversion with the last act of the match to give Italy their first Six Nations victory in seven years after a difficult 36-game losing run.
It was an unbelievable run from Capuozzo, who was making his first Test start after scoring two tries on his debut as a substitute against Scotland last week - and Adams made sure it didn’t go unnoticed.
After the final whistle blew and the Italian players were celebrating their emotional win, the Cardiff wing sought out the 22-year-old Grenoble star and gave him his Man of the Match medal. It was a genuine moment as Capuozzo, with an Italian flag wrapped around his shoulders, was clearly touched by the gesture.
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“We heard Jonathan Davies give Josh Adams Man of the Match, just moments before Capuozzo’s incredible break,” BBC presenter Gabby Logan said. “Look at this beautiful moment where Adams gives it to Capuozzo and he receives that looking very emotional at the presentation to him.
“I am sure Jonathan Davies would endorse that as well, if he could have changed his decision.”
Adams had broken the tackles of two defenders as he cut inside from the wing to reach the line and put Wales in front on 68 minutes, but his heroics ultimately were not enough. Capuozzo took a page out of the 26-year-old’s book by beating several Welsh defenders and teeing up the winning try to send Italy fans into raptures.
