Wales have returned to winning ways in the 2018 Six Nations by cruising to a convincing 38-14 victory over Italy at the Principality Stadium this afternoon.

The Red Dragons, beaten by England and Ireland in their last two outings, ran in five tries in Cardiff - two of those by Northampton Saints wing George North.

Italy also registered a try in either half of the one-sided affair, but their losing run now spans 16 matches and the wooden spoon awaits, regardless of the score in next weekend's home clash with Scotland.

The margin of victory for Wales lifts them into second place in the Six Nations standings, though Ireland have already been crowned champions with one game left to play.

Five minutes is all it took for the hosts to put their first seven-point haul on the board, as Hadleigh Parkes bounced off Tommaso Castello to cross over, allowing Gareth Anscombe to add the extras.

Wales had a second through North just a couple of minutes later, marking his return to the field in style after Owen Watkin intercepted the ball.

Italy did manage to hit back almost instantly in an explosive opening to the match, however, with Matteo Minozzi spiralling his way through and diving over the line.

Tommaso Allan made no mistake from the follow-up, and the visitors survived a scare soon after when Gareth Davies had a try correctly ruled out by TMO.

The Azzurri, who had conceded 18 tries in this year's championship prior to today, saw their hopes of drawing level dented when Anscombe kicked over for the third time, this time with an easy penalty down the middle.

Wales lost Liam Williams to the sin bin for 10 minutes and scrum-half Davies followed early in the second half, but only after Cory Hill had dived over from close range to put the game to bed.

From that point on it was a formality, as North doubled his own personal tally 15 minutes from time by strolling over following some good play from Aled Davies and Rhys Patchell.

Patchell was involved again soon after, too, playing a big part in Justin Tipuric's try from the wing and, although Mattia Bellini touched down in the corner for Italy late on, it was Wales who were left smiling come full time.