Literally saw rowlands on the bench and logged in to see
@welsh Response lol
I havnt seen the Italy team, I think they have the potential to win or lose this game based on their bravery of selection IMO, and Italy should be favourites.
However, Wales are scoring tries, it's a young team, and very young bench, and they're being beaten up by big powerful packs, but they are proving resilient, and some very concerning areas seem to be mending...
Lineout goes very well when Dee plays, and scrum is holding it's own. Italys lineout can be got at, and as I said in another thread this is a bang average Italy pack, with a few top class players. I dont see Wales getting out powered in anywhere near the same fashion.
Ball in hand we look ok, we cause problems but we dont seem to keep shape after 5 phases, but that's been down to being physically out matched a lot of the time. We will score a few tries.
Defensively the peices are there, but the personel, and experience are lacking, we melt under pressure. Italy play a higher risk game however, which might suit our frantic younger players.
Kicking, and this is the problem. We desperately need to recognise when under pressure, and get the thing off the park, Robert's and Costello didnt have any idea what to do for the best last week, even when the ball was returned and killed us each time. Tomos has to step up and put Adam's and Dyer in a place to challenge, or turn the back 3. Costello, well I dont think theres anything he can do, except hit his kicks at goal and find touch when he needs to. Hell spend 50 mins shuffling **** to Tompkins and North as usual.
I think this game will be determined by Italys approach, if they come out wild and frantic we will get opportunities to punish them, but if they are smart, and patient and keep plugging away, stay in touch, make us work hard for every point when the Welsh bench empties the game will be more than winnable.
If Wales kick well, we are in it, if we kick how we have in every other game we are up **** creek without a paddle, food, map, or clothing... and its -5... in wolf territory... with a severed arm.... and herpes!