Wales V Italy Match Predictions

  Wales go into this year’s Six Nations competition aiming to make history by being the first team to win the competition three years in a row.  The first team that stands in the way of this historic achievement is Italy, who will be hoping to build on the successes of last year’s tournament, following a disappoint series of Summer and Autumn fixtures.

  With home advantage on their side, Wales go into this fixture as overwhelming favourites; Italy being the starter before the main courses of Ireland, France and England arrive at the table. If any teams are going to break Welsh hearts, it is probably going to be one of these three.

  However, the threat of the Italians must not be underestimated, and a slip-up against the Azzurri could cost Wales heavily, and Warren Gatland’s men must avoid starting the competition in a similar fashion to last year, where a dismal first 40 minutes saw them slip to defeat against Ireland.

  Despite notable omissions in the form of Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Jonathan Davies, and Gethin Jenkins, most of Wales’ superstars are present in the team; their back three of Halfpenny, North and Cuthbert promises to be as dangerous as ever, with Alun Wyn Jones forming the core of an experienced and powerful pack. AW Jones captains Wales for the second time, standing in for Sam Warburton, who may make an appearance off the bench.

  Italy have their own share of injury worries as well, with a handful players with little or no caps appearing on Jacques Brunel’s teamsheet. Treviso winger Angelo Esposito is on debut, whilst Tommy Allan slots in at the ever-changing fly-half position.

  With all respect to Italy, it’s hard to imagine any result other than a Welsh win. The nature of the win, however, will tell us a lot about Welsh prospects for a third consecutive title. Warren Gatland will want his men to make a powerful statement of intent. A spluttering grind past Italy would be just the confidence boost that other title-contenders need.

Prediction: 

  With a formidable back-line and home advantage, Wales should win this by two converted tries at least.

SQUADS: 

Wales: 15-Leigh Halfpenny, 14-Alex Cuthbert, 13-Scott Williams, 12-Jamie Roberts, 11-George North, 10-Rhys Priestland, 9-Mike Phillips; 1-Paul James, 2-Richard Hibbard, 3-Adam Jones, 4-Luke Charteris, 5-Alun Wyn Jones (capt), 6-Dan Lydiate, 7-Justin Tipuric, 8-Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements : 16-Ken Owens, 17-Ryan Bevington, 18-Rhodri Jones, 19-Andrew Coombs, 20-Sam Warburton, 21-Rhys Webb, 22-James Hook, 23-Liam Williams

Italy: 15-Luke McLean, 14-Angelo Esposito, 13-Michele Campagnaro, 12-Alberto Sgarbi, 11-Leonardo Sarto, 10-Tommaso Allan, 9-Edoardo Gori; 1-Michele Rizzo, 2-Leonardo Ghiraldini, 3-Martin Castrogiovanni, 4-Quintin Geldenhuys, 5-Marco Bortolami, 6-Alessandro Zanni, 7-Mauro Bergamasco, 8-Sergio Parisse (capt).

Replacements :16-Davide Giazzon, 17-Alberto De Marchi, 18-Lorenzo Cittadini, 19-Joshua Furno, 20-Francesco Minto, 21-Tobias Botes, 22-Luciano Orquera, 23-Tommaso Iannon

Date: Saturday, February 1

Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

Kick Off: 14:30 GMT

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Touch judges: Glen Jackson (New Zealand) & Francisco Pastrana (Argentina)

TV: Iain Ramage (Scotland)

Article by Alex Hawksworth-Brookes