Wales recorded a first win of their Six Nations campaign after beating Italy in Rome
Not since Antonio Carluccio faced Gwynfor Parry, owner of an Aberdare roadside butty van, in the opening round of the 1995 European Ragu Championship has Italy found themselves in such a favoured position coming into a match. And with some justification.
Kieran Crowley’s side have pushed everyone close so far, playing a brand of high tempo, low conservatism rugby that troubles all defences and delivers points. The other side of the equation has caused them trouble, however, with possession for their opposition too often resulting in the Azzuri conceding. Where this may be different today is Wales so far in this tournament have looked about as likely to score as a drunk throwing wrong-handed at a dartboard.
Added to this, it is increasingly clear that Warren Gatland is using this tournament as something of a fact finding mission before fully implementing his Warrenball 2.0 vision. Lots of changes each week as he seeks to make he best of players too old, too young or struggling for form, means he must have a look and decide quickly who gets to stay before the real work begins in the World Cup camp.
Italy captain Michele Lamaro has made it very clear recently that he’s fed up of positive reviews without the results following. This is the one game he and the squad know can change that.
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