by Wales will host Italy on Super Saturday’s Six Nations in a battle to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
Warren Gatland’s side go into the first leg of the final at the bottom of the table with just three bonus points so far after last weekend’s 45-24 home win over France in which they more than played their part. An exciting first half but they were dropped after that.
There have certainly been signs of progress for a young Wales side during the tournament so far, but it has not translated into results and they will now be desperate to avoid a first Six Nations campaign since 2003.
They host an Italy side who have made impressive strides under new head coach Gonzalo Quesada after their World Cup embarrassment in France in the Autumn, Scotland’s stunning shock last time out. first home win in the Six Nations for 11 years – and only their second in the game. competition since 2015.
And the Azzurri should really be celebrating back-to-back huge upset wins, having come within a post of a last-gasp victory over France in Lille in a heartbreaking 13-13 draw. This is the first time since 2011 that Italy have lost back-to-back games in the Six Nations.
Italy are four points ahead of Wales as things stand and will be confident of repeating their 2022 heroics in Cardiff, where there will be an emotional occasion as George North makes his 121st and Wales cap after announcing his retirement from Test rugby at the age of 31 on Wednesday. .
Date, start time and venue
Wales vs Italy is the first match on Super Saturday’s Six Nations, kicking off at 2:15pm GMT.
The match will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
How to watch Wales vs Italy
TV channel: Saturday’s game will be broadcast live and free to air in the UK on BBC One, with coverage starting at 1:45pm.
Events will also be shown live on the Welsh channel S4C from 1:30pm.
Live stream: A free live rugby streaming service will also be available online via the BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.
Wales vs Italy team news
Wales have made four changes to the team that started against France, as North begin their Test bye after last weekend’s forgettable start.
He resumes his familiar central partnership with Saracens’ Nick Tompkins and is replaced by Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin.
Will Rowlands drops to the bench with captain Dafydd Jenkins moving back into the second row, Alex Mann on the blindside.
In the front row, Dillon Lewis replaces Keiron Assiratti as prop tight end, with Scarlets’ Harri O’Connor set for his senior debut for Wales off the bench.
Italy are due to name their squad on Thursday, with Gatland continuing his now-established tradition of releasing his squad early.
Wales vs Italy lineups
Wales XV: Winnett; Adams, North, Tompkins, Dyer; Costelow, T Williams; Thomas, Dee, Lewis; Jenkins (c), Beard; Mann, Reffell, Wainwright
Replacements: E Lloyd, Mathias, O’Connor, Rowlands, Martin, Hardy, I Lloyd, Grady
Italy XV: TB
Replacements: TB
Wales vs Italy head to head (h2h) history and results
Italy won on their last visit to Cardiff in 2022, claiming their first ever win in Wales as Edoardo Padovani’s late effort from Ange Capuozzo and turned in by Paolo Garbisi ended their seven-year run, 36 games without six. Victory of a nation.
Wales had previously won 16 in a row against Italy, losing only in Rome in 2007 and 2003, and were also held to a draw in Cardiff in 2006.
Wales won: 28
Italy wins: 3
Draws: 1
Wales vs Italy predictions
Italy’s impressive win over Scotland should give them plenty of confidence to avoid a ninth consecutive Six Nations wooden spoon as they look to finish off the bottom of the table for the first time since 2015.
Garbisi’s last-gasp penalty that denied the biggest upset in the history of the competition against France in Lille was in danger of causing a hangover, but they quickly recovered from the disappointment that produced some truly magical scenes at the Stadio Olimpico.
They would have preferred this game to be at home as well of course, but the Azzurri have enjoyed recent success in Cardiff and will not be afraid of the intimidating Principality Stadium this time around.
However, Rebuilding Wales should be highly motivated to avoid a first Six Nations defeat since 2003 and end a devastating run of 11 defeats in their last 12 games in the competition.
If they can play like they did in the victorious first half against France, Gatland’s inexperienced side should give George North a fun promotion.
Wales to win, by 10 points.
The choice of the match between Wales and Italy
Wales to win: 4/11
Italy to win: 12/5
Draw: 22/1
Option via Betfair (subject to change).
