Team v Italy

[Numbers]

Wales: L Williams; Rogers, Tompkins, James, Adams; B Thomas, T Williams; G Thomas, Lloyd, H Thomas, Rowlands, Jenkins, Botham, Morgan (capt), Faletau.

Replacements: Dee, Smith, Assiratti, F Thomas, Wainwright, R Williams, Edwards, Murray.

Good to see Faletau back, hopefully that'll give some of the younger players a boost and finally Eddie James at 12, I hope Liam Williams is back up to speed as he looked lethargic in the first game, I probably would have had Rogers at 15 and Murray or Hathaway on the wing.

[pompey-zebra]

Wales: L Williams; Rogers, Tompkins, James, Adams; B Thomas, T Williams; G Thomas, Lloyd, H Thomas, Rowlands, Jenkins, Botham, Morgan (capt), Faletau.

Replacements: Dee, Smith, Assiratti, F Thomas, Wainwright, R Williams, Edwards, Murray.

Good to see Faletau back, hopefully that'll give some of the younger players a boost and finally Eddie James at 12, I hope Liam Williams is back up to speed as he looked lethargic in the first game, I probably would have had Rogers at 15 and Murray or Hathaway on the wing.

Yes, really hope Faletau is over his injuries now, he's still a capable player when fit. I guess it's why Wainwright's on the bench to give that extra power in the back row if needed (not that Reffell did a lot wrong when he came on)

[Graigwen]

We needed Faletau back for the technical job of clearing up the mess that always develops at the back of our scrums. It is good (as well as a surprise) to see Wainwright on the bench, although Reffell played fairly well.

It is good of course to see James at 12, but suspect it is still not the most penetrating centre combination possible.

In hindsight, I think Gatland had written off the French game, he was probably correct.
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[Graigwen]

Having just posted about Faletau's perpetual role of clearing up our messes, I wonder if the new law will reduce this?
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[Son of Mathonwy]

The last time we won a match was the last time Faletau played for us. Hope he can bring that totemic power on Saturday.

Given the squad and the lack of Anscombe, Llewellyn and Lloyd, the team isn't too crazy. I think I'd still prefer Dee to start but the scrum went surprisingly well last week so okay. I'd prefer our real 10, Edwards to start, and I'd probably have Ben Thomas and James outside him. Given the centre pair selected I'd rather see James at 13, Tomkins at 12 - I guess Gatland is more confident in Tompkins's defence? Hope Adams and Sanjay look more like their former selves this week but then the backs really didn't get a look in against the French.

[Sandydragon]

The last time we won a match was the last time Faletau played for us. Hope he can bring that totemic power on Saturday.

Given the squad and the lack of Anscombe, Llewellyn and Lloyd, the team isn't too crazy. I think I'd still prefer Dee to start but the scrum went surprisingly well last week so okay. I'd prefer our real 10, Edwards to start, and I'd probably have Ben Thomas and James outside him. Given the centre pair selected I'd rather see James at 13, Tomkins at 12 - I guess Gatland is more confident in Tompkins's defence? Hope Adams and Sanjay look more like their former selves this week but then the backs really didn't get a look in against the French.

It’s a decent team given the squad Gatland picked. I think the absence of Anscombe will co to us to hurt us but I hope I’m wrong.

Like you I’d prefer to have an actual flyhalf starting the game with Thomas at 12.

[Numbers]

The last time we won a match was the last time Faletau played for us. Hope he can bring that totemic power on Saturday.

Given the squad and the lack of Anscombe, Llewellyn and Lloyd, the team isn't too crazy. I think I'd still prefer Dee to start but the scrum went surprisingly well last week so okay. I'd prefer our real 10, Edwards to start, and I'd probably have Ben Thomas and James outside him. Given the centre pair selected I'd rather see James at 13, Tomkins at 12 - I guess Gatland is more confident in Tompkins's defence? Hope Adams and Sanjay look more like their former selves this week but then the backs really didn't get a look in against the French.

It’s a decent team given the squad Gatland picked. I think the absence of Anscombe will co to us to hurt us but I hope I’m wrong.

Like you I’d prefer to have an actual flyhalf starting the game with Thomas at 12.

It makes no difference, Ben Thomas would be at first receiver in open play anyway as was seen last week.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Okay, let's see if I can guess this one. At the start of the championships I thought we'd be marginal favourites for this. Not after last week (and doubts over Sanjay's fitness).

Italy 28 - 19 Wales

[oldprussians]

Hello again

[oldprussians]

BTW If Gatland goes what about Iestyn Harris? I know he is retired but he is a name an no big risk if giving him a trial contract

[Buggaluggs]

Okay, let's see if I can guess this one. At the start of the championships I thought we'd be marginal favourites for this. Not after last week (and doubts over Sanjay's fitness).

Italy 28 - 19 Wales

Not sure about the 19 !!

[normanski]

Okay, let's see if I can guess this one. At the start of the championships I thought we'd be marginal favourites for this. Not after last week (and doubts over Sanjay's fitness).

Italy 28 - 19 Wales

Not sure about the 19 !!

Yes. It will be a brave man to predict such a close scoreline!

The only real cause for optimism is our pack and replacements stood up to the mighty France eight and if they give us a little get up and go then we might be able to score a few points. Our backs have to click sometime.

All the WoL writers have predicted a home win.

I would love to see a win even by one point but I think the odds are greatly against that but I live in hope.

[Buggaluggs]

U20s pulled off a win after being under the cosh in the first half. 160+ tackles !

[Graigwen]

The under 20s beat Italy 18-20.

I only saw the last quarter of the game. It was pretty poor. Wales made determined efforts to lose the game through stupid carelessness.

Who teaches these kids to throw no look passes when all they have to do is retain possession for 90 seconds?
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[oldprussians]

Congrats on the u20 win Wales played well!

[pompey-zebra]

U20s pulled off a win after being under the cosh in the first half. 160+ tackles !

It felt like that many penalties against them in the first half!

[Son of Mathonwy]

Okay, let's see if I can guess this one. At the start of the championships I thought we'd be marginal favourites for this. Not after last week (and doubts over Sanjay's fitness).

Italy 28 - 19 Wales

Not sure about the 19 !!

I can dream

[Son of Mathonwy]

The under 20s beat Italy 18-20.

I only saw the last quarter of the game. It was pretty poor. Wales made determined efforts to lose the game through stupid carelessness.

Who teaches these kids to throw no look passes when all they have to do is retain possession for 90 seconds?
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On balance they just about deserved the win but they did everything they could to gift it to Italy. Total madness in the last five minutes, hurling the ball around like they were the ones 2 points behind rather than protecting their narrow lead. Maybe they were trying to get the fourth try? Crazy.

[Graigwen]

I am filled with gloomy excitement this morning.

What would be an acceptable excuse for losing? Maybe Ben Thomas and then Edwards injured in the first ten minutes? Two players red carded in the first five minutes? Most of our team falling into a sinkhole that opened in the pitch?

I think we had better win this one, there would be no hiding place.
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[Sandydragon]

Can Italy handle the pressure of being favourites? If they can play to their max potential then it could be a long afternoon for us.

But. If Italy choke a bit and we get into the game then it could be very different. Our forward secured plenty of possession from first phase last week which was a definite plus, if we can get not the right parts of the pitch and get a few kickable penalties then we can put some pressure on.

But we also need to keep our own composure.

The odds are against us here. A loss is the more likely scenario and probably another wooden spoon, unless we can have one of those years where we are awful but have a huge patriotic moment at home versus England

[Wallpaperman]

I’m feeling optimistic. The set piece went well for Wales against and Huw Jones made merry against Italy’s midfield last week.

I think it will be tight but it is definitely winnable.

[Which Tyler]

I will be supporting Wales, England and Scotland.

I'm just creating a little fort behind the sofa - like watching Dr Who when I was 8!

I'm including dog treats & toys, in the hopes of bribing them to support me.

[Son of Mathonwy]

Dafydd Jenkins and Liam Williams out. Can we get a break??

[Graigwen]

Murray at full back.

Hathaway and Teddy Williams on the bench.

[normanski]

I’m feeling optimistic. The set piece went well for Wales against and Huw Jones made merry against Italy’s midfield last week.

I think it will be tight but it is definitely winnable.

I hope you’re right. We really need to manage the break down. Would love to see a try from a rolling maul to get us on the board.