Wales v Italy: Warren Gatland announces Welsh team, Howley positive
After beating Scotland by 24-6, Wales have made only one change to its squad for RBS Six Nations clash against Italy on Saturday in Rome for round 3. Jonathan Davies, after picking up a hamstring injury wasn’t considered for the squad and to fill in his
position James Hook will be moving from fly half to outside centre. Meanwhile, Stephen Jones, the Scarlets backbone, will be coming back as a fly half.
Leigh Halfpenny, the Blues wing, who was benched due to an ankle injury will be returning to fill in the vacancy created by Jones. Warren Gatland seems content with the output and said, “We have selected the strongest possible side, showing the utmost respect
to Italy. We know only too well what tough opponents they are in Rome and so we have picked the strongest team available to us.”
For the forward pack that performed tremendously at Murrayfield against Scotland, it will be a similar situation, as the only change made is in the backline. Rob Howley, the forward coach, believes the same selection will prove to be fruitful against Italy.
He said, “This is very much a vote of confidence for the forwards, they have been going extremely well as a unit and we are looking for more of the same against Italy.”
Talking about the Jonathan’s injury he added, “Our hand has been forced in the back line, Jonathan is simply not ready this weekend after struggling with his hamstring since the Scotland game.”
Wales will be going to Rome with this squad to test the same squad that showed up against Scotland and won. Italy, on other hand has to announce its squad for the upcoming clash. Wales will be walking in with a winning approach and will be looking forward
to push the Italians to back foot.
Howley admitted that Italy will be a completely different story at home and will give a tough time if Welsh side fumbles or leaves a gap anywhere and at anytime in the game. Howley said, “Since the commencement of Italy as a part of the Six Nations they
have sustained to get better year on year and they are always competent enough of turning you over.”
Howley insisted that his side is under no fantasy as to how hard it is going to be for Wales on the field on Saturday. Records show us and rugby history has proved that Italy has taken control of situations from impossible to under-the-belt. Howley added,
“It is going to be a very hard day at the office, but we have picked a side to go out there and win.”
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