Wales v Italy Six Nations Rugby

In the darkest recesses of the Millennium Stadium, there are some

words that dare not be spoken. Grand Slam. After three consecutive

victories they should be shouting from the rooftops, not was bring in

the dark. Jonathan Davies is going to score

for Wales! Phillips gets it half way... Scott

Williams for Wales scores the try that might take Wales to Twickenham.

Why no mention of those two words? Because the opposition today I

Italy and for Wales sometimes that spells trouble. -- the opposition

today are Italy. For the first time ever Italy have

beaten Wales. It has been intercepted! 10 seconds left.

That's it! The whistle has gone! Italy have but when. -- have the

wind. If Wales do win today, this lot

will not be whispering. Come on, Wales!

The Triple Crown has already been secured thanks to a solitary try at

Twickenham from Scott Williams. Wales were not at their best but

the key thing was that they still took the win. Fullback Leigh

Halfpenny is now Mr reliable with the ball and Mr dynamic in attack.

That mixed -- missed penalty that could have taken Wales to the World

Cup final still hurts. I still think, could I do that again? I

have the opportunity to win it for Wales. And the Welsh three-quarter

line is oozes class and pace and brute force. No defence in the

world will fancy these Giants running at them. Whereas Italy's

perennial problem is behind the scrum, particularly at number 10.

In a much changed line-up, Chris Burton returns. After Cardiff,

comes Dublin. The Irish War almost victorious in Paris and the Scots

are often victorious. What chance of a repeat of two years ago? There

is are considerable Italian population in Wales and there will

be lots of support for the team but they must arrive with real

trepidation. What weapons. They actually have to hurt Wales?

Complacency will not be an issue for Wales. The Grand Slam is 160

minutes away and these players will want to be part of that. The fans

will want to see it. From the snow of Rome to the ice of Paris to the

tropics of Wales, welcome to a Six champ -- Six Nations Championship

like no other. It is hot in Cardiff if you are in the sunshine. A

bizarre scenario too welcome this 4th weekend of this year's

Championship in the company of Jonathan Davies, Jeremy Guscott and

Sean Williams. Don't tell me it is always like this in Wales. Always!

Is there anyway but Wales cannot win this match by a lot? There is

always a chance but it will be a tough call to give it to the

Italians. They have talked about, no complacency throughout the weeks.

The Italians have played well and they know it will be tough but do

they have the patience and maturity to bide their times? I can see

Wales running away with it after an hour. These are your contemporaries.

Despite the fact they will have put complacency to the side, will the

temptation to be -- be to throw the ball around and run and run.

think they are a bit more clever than that. It is about doing the

simple things right, getting the territory, winning the line-outs.

Getting a good platform so that Wales can place them what be behind.

It is earning the right to play wide. We posed the question at the

Stade, what weapons do the Italians have? I believe they can get stuck

into the Welsh line-out. That has always been a bit iffy. There has

been no cutting edge but the pattern will be more than a match

for Wales. Against England, Tuilagi and Barnett will really work

together. The Italians will be fixed, waiting -- waiting for Jamie

Roberts. They might be able to get around the outside of them. If they

missed tackles, will there be a problem? In international Bobby you

can't miss tackles. Here is the story of that progress so far.

The weather warmed but the defining moments were frozen in time. A time

when Ireland relived their fortunes, only for Italy to light a fire of

their own. The Italian flame was doused. Blue fell into the arms of

green and Green escaped the arms of Blue. It was the moment of island's

reawaken in. Twickenham, and a rare moment. Wales started as favourites,

playing like favourites. George North. But this was the hour of

England's re-emergence, Manu Tuilagi stopped in one of those

special defensive moments. Wales's defence was not always so pure. A

yellow card and the game waited for his decisive moment. The Tipping.

Was a stripping. -- the Tipping point was a stripping point. All

that was left was the moment of the match, who would settle at the

Strettle case? No try mack. Into -- inconclusive. Edinburgh. Would this

be Scotland's moment to discover the way to the line? The disc --

the double discovery, the way and the means. Stuart Hogg. Two tries

in two games, this was close and hard. Scotland closed in and Lee

Jones was a wave. -- our way -- are Way. But France steeled themselves.

But it still needed this moment by Lionel Beauxis supporters settle be

account. -- to settle the account. The rerun of France against Ireland.

Steady with a load. Off the winner went, down the trialled of tries.

Off he went again, two times two plus one. It was raining on

France's parade. The second half of game three, and the try No. 3. All

square. No defining moment in Paris. That is what the RBS Six Nations

table looks like at the moment. Wales need to win today and next

weekend to win the 11th Grand Slam in Welsh rugby. But it could still

be France's Championship, and England's. It could be island's but

Italy would have to win today. Basically it is a three-course

brace. -- it could be island's. There is and nice picture core of

crouching, touching, pausing, in -- engaging and marriage in -- Marion.

That woman is on a six-week hen party. In all sports it is fair to

say that some sportsmen find themselves in such a rich vein of

form that everything they touch turns to gold. For Wales, they King

Midas is undoubtedly Leigh Every time we get a chance we just

want to go out and get 100 %. You are playing for the badge on your

chest so you don't want to let the Jersey down. Growing up as a kid, I

always dreamt of moments like this. Down on the rugby pitch and putting

myself in positions where I can win the World Cup and having an

opportunity to put Wales through to a Rugby World Cup final. Not to

have achieved it was heartbreaking and there were coupled tears in the

changing room. All of the other players, all credit to them, they

picked me up and said, don't worry about it, it wasn't your fault. I

blame myself for it but I think that experience did bring us

together as a band of brothers. Wales will have the kick for the

match. Who will step up for this one? Surely Leigh Halfpenny.

thought to myself, if I get another opportunity, or will I nail it next

time? I haven't crossed a line -- the

line for while so it was nice to score two tries. I have always

wanted to do that for my country and to have done it that day was

amazing. I loved every second of it. I remember being in the middle of

the field and just seeing the ball being thrown over the top and have

just sprinting as fast as I could to get across the field and there

was this massive run up and I remembered him coming towards me

and I braced myself and just thought I would get over the line.

The physio was in front of me and he told me that it was a try and

that we had one. It was unbelievable, something I will

never forget. It is amazing to be a Welsh rugby player at the moment

and it is very exciting times. We had such a young team performing at

an amazing standard. Yes, next stop, Italy. We know they will be a tough

team to beat, they are improving all the time, they are not going to

roll over and it will be very tough and physical. There is Leigh

Halfpenny warming up with the rest of the Welsh team. There was a

period when the jury was out over whether Leigh Halfpenny was an

international player and now the jury will agree that he is a player

of considerable stature. How does that happen reply, when suddenly

you feel at home on the international stage Angie blossom?

-- and you blossom. He is very similar to me, very quiet and timid,

a lovely guy. It has been difficult for him, he has had a lot of

injuries. Obviously he has the talent but I think sometimes it

just takes a couple of games when you do something on the pitch that

inspires you and you get a run of games and you feel that nobody can

touch you. He has been given the kicking position, which has given

him enormous confidence. He plays with a skip in his step. He is

bouncing around, kicking the ball, having a go. That is exactly what

you want to see. Two seasons ago he was playing semi-professional but

be at Cardiff. He got elected into the Welsh team, everything happened

very quickly. Then he gets his injuries and his setbacks. How you

deal with that is how you come back quickly. A big day for the Welsh

captain, Jenkins. On a purely practical level, Jonathan, you may

not be the right person to ask but there is nobody else here, what

problems are presented tour captain if they are spending half their

There aren't that many problems. The leaders of the half backs.

Priestland will be dictating the game. You will have a line of

defence. He will just be there, he is just a figure. He's the most

experienced, so why not give it to Gethin? On seven of the last eight

occasions when a prop forward has occasions when a prop forward has

captained Wales, they've actually record to get any worse today. When

you look at Wales' record against Italy, it's been very much Wales'

one-way street. In the matches that have taken place here over the

course of the Six Nations, Wales averaged 39 points against Italy.

Complacency is the big issue but this is the Welsh line-up today

that will ensure that they tried to keep Wales' Grand Slam hopes on

course. Yes, they will just try to be solid today. Gethin Jenkins,

captain, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones, a very solid front row. Good

to see Matthew Rees coming back and playing well. Alun Wyn Jones and

Ieuan Evans. Evans has played really well in this tournament.

It's given him a lot of confidence. Lydia and Faletau, Tipuric, he is

to bounce back from the England performance. Jamie Roberts and

Davies have a very solid partnership. George North and Alex

Cuthbert, the two small winners we have. And there is Leigh Halfpenny.

It's a very strong side. They've been consistent with selection and

their performance has been good. Warren Gatland will be happy with

this election. Easy cutting aside like that, you would think. He is

Warren Gatland. Three games are won, Triple Crown

in the bag. What is your message to the players, given that everybody

appears to have written Italy off? Don't underestimate them. For us,

it's keeping our patience. Hopefully there might be

opportunities in the first of and perhaps opportunities in the second

half. We've got to be smart as well. The boys have trained really well

this week. They know what the prize is. Pique got a chance to play in

front for a Grand Slam and also the championship is at stake as well.

Points difference could be very important for us. We are conscious

of that. But we've had a good week's preparation and the guys are

excited about today. Jamie Roberts has talked about being nervous.

What have you done to these players? And I don't know, I

haven't seen him make those comments. The boys were giving them

a bit of jibe in the week when he came off against England, how

quickly he recovered, probably when he saw what Scott Williams did in

the last minute in scoring the try. But he's been back training. It's

nice to have been able to name the same back four. We've had a couple

of injuries up front but we've got a bit of depth in the squad at the

moment and quality coming through. A dream selection for you. The

front row which led the British and Ireland chances. Yes, a handful of

games together. All three of them at some stage picked up injuries.

It gives Matthew an opportunity. We are really happy with the way that

Owen has played against England. But to put Matthew in contention

for possible selection against France, he really needed to start

today. Whether he gets through 80 minutes, we'll see how far he gets.

Honestly, has it been difficult to keep the players' minds on this

game and not look ahead to France? It hasn't been. People are talking

about the Grand Slam, we are very well aware of what is at stake. But

it's about as going to the next favouritism in a couple of games.

The guys have responded to that. We've got to go out there and

deliver a performance today that gives us momentum and confidence

for next week. Maybe it is the sunshine, but there is the most

spectacular atmosphere here today. Everyone is singing with real gusto.

Maybe because people can't believe how warm it is here on 11th March.

We've dismissed Jonathan Davies to the commentary box. Martyn Williams,

a good afternoon. One flanker to another, Tipuric makes his debut

today. What is it going to be like for him in a match like this?

a big moment for Justin. He is a world-class player in his own right.

He's been a bit unfortunate but it's a big occasion for him to date.

He showed in Ireland when he came on at half-time how good a player

he is. He has taken to international rugby so easily. It's

difficult when you start a game, the build up through the week. It's

a lot worse than when you are on the bench. Shane and Jonathan have

both spoken about how complacency to one side, this Welsh team is too

good to slip up to date. Do you have any doubts about what Wales'

performance might be like this afternoon? Not really. The pressure

on each player in each position, they all know there is somebody

dying to get that shirt off them. Complacency sets in when you know

you are guaranteed to be playing next weekend. No one in that team

really is. I think the boys will have too much for Italy.

watching the Italians warm up and looking around in amazement at this

fantastic stadium and the great atmosphere. You would think they

would rise to the challenge themselves this afternoon. This is

the 15 that got a start for them. They are looking for their first

win in this Six Nations Championship. Cicero, Ghiraldini

and Cittadini. It could be said they are collecting their pensions

but they are still going strong. Gilda news and van Zyl, they will

put the pressure on the Welsh line Burton at Ten, he's got to play

flat, he cannot play deep. Sgarbi and Canale, they are good, direct

and strong runners. Masi was Six Nations player of the tournament

lasted. McLean has got the experience. You made a point about

Chris Burton. The Italians' perennial issue has been finding a

half-back pairing. They've managed 30 different pairings at half back

in the last nine years. Burton, he hasn't appeared to be a player of

international stature. Not so far. Not playing in a great side. But

you've always got to do the basics. You should get away with things.

He's been picked for what he's done. He is no Carter, he doesn't run

with the ball, he sits in the pocket and kicks the ball. Try to

play a territory game to get Italy into position to muzzle over and

score. But there's so much pressure coming in. You've just got to force

him to play flat otherwise the Italian back line won't be in this

match. You played against him this season, haven't you? Yes, he's a

very tactical player. But he is a player that Wales will target. I

wouldn't be surprised if they send Jamie Roberts down the Channel at

the top of the line-out. But they will target him. He does make a lot

of mistakes. If you pressure him, he could go in. So many who would

love to be playing, especially on a day like today, it's the great

Castrogiovanni, just down on the touchline with Jason Mohammad.

been very difficult for Martin watching the Italy team warm up.

Parisse, your captain, believes this is Mission Impossible. Do you

agree with him? I think so. Wales will show how good they are. They

won in Ireland. They are the team of the moment. It is the greatest

Welsh team I ever played. The best Welsh team you've seen in recent

history? Yes. They are good in defence and attack. They keep the

ball and they are really good. thinking about Parisse, I'm

thinking about the great scenes in Rome last year when you beat France.

Should have beaten Ireland. Why has it not clicked for Italy this year?

A few changes, new players, and to this great arena. I'm not sure

saying it his mission impossible is a great team talk to give to your

team-mates. But what's the winning margin here? It's difficult. Wales

will go through the basic track like I alluded to earlier. They

will put Italy under pressure. If they play with maturity, it could

be 20 to 30 points. But it's going to be difficult. Knowing the boys,

they will want a big start. 15 to sky but they are almost lost in the

blazing sunshine, as we wait for Wales to come out to the usual

understated welcome. If you were issuing a dispassionate assessment

to get today, could it be very loose because Wales are going for

broke from the word go? Straight through the basics, play a bit of

territory. Getting to the game and then take it away. The margin for

you is? Italy generally played very strong in those first 40 minutes so

I agree with the boys, probably about 20 points. It is the first

match of this fourth weekend of the Six Nations. After we are finished

in Cardiff, we are off to Dublin for Ireland against Scotland and

tomorrow we round off the fourth weekend with France against England

at Stade de France. We are on air at 2:30pm. Jonathan Davies is up in

the commentary box with Alastair Beacons. Slapping on a factor 30

sunblock. Probably the two Best anthems in all of international

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# Iddio la creo. (chorus) # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Italia chiamo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

i mi. # Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri. # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr

tra mad. # Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.

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# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau. surgery. He starts on the bench

alongside we swear. Italy have the experience of Bortolami two:. The

referee today is George Clancy of Ireland. We are just about ready

four-stage Ball of what Wales hope will be a five stage process to

Grand Slam glory. The triple crown already in the bag. If the Welsh

have half an eye on France next weekend, the is a very will

certainly be thinking of Scotland under way. By his own admission, he

had a difficult afternoon against in support, couldn't quite get it

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Generally not the best of ideas to Again, they've committed a lot of

Zanni there. It's good to see the winners having the ball. George

North, first inside path, then be doing the kicking for Italy this

in their back play. Zanni with the line-out possession for Italy.

Midway between the Italian's 22 and the 10 metre lit -- ten-metre line.

Straight out. That is a poor kick. They have kicked poorly so far. The

only one they have put into touch was from the penalty. An excellent

game against the Welsh a year ago. This is only his 4th cap for his

country. This is Wales again, through Roberts. The Welsh are

penalised straight up. Side entry from the Welsh man. He won't be

happy with that. And this is Kris Burton, restored to the number 10

position. This is the burst from Roberts, who described himself as

very anxious before the selection because of the pressure from Scott

Williams. Line-out possession for Italy. A massive tackle. Great

tackle. Away they come. This is what we will try to do, keep

possession, give it to the fore ats. -- forwards. When they have the

ball they will try to go through the phases, try to give it to the

forwards, try to get a penalty. Wales will try to slow everything

down, frustrate them. They know that the expectation is very high

in the stadium, the crowd expect Wales to come out blazing and

scoring tries. If the Italians slowed down, they can frustrate

everybody, and who knows what might happen? I have had some excellent

first-half performances, haven't they? -- they have. There is the

tackle that we saw earlier. He is something of a specialist in that

area, I think we can say! Alun-Wyn Jones trying to break down the

short side. Priestland. The high ball. Just a little bit too far.

disagreement with Bergamasco, who is never shy about coming forward.

He needs to calm down a little bit. He is a feisty character,

Bergamasco. He has been very impatient waiting on the sidelines.

He puts in down tidy and then Bergamasco tries to get involved. I

think George has made a couple of breaks already. Bergamasco should

concentrate more on his job. line-out on the Italian 10 metre

line, both of the Italian locks born-and-bred in South Africa today.

Semenzato would be a kick. -- with the cake. Good call from the

officials. He was in front of the kicker. And they will take the

scrum. The two packs comparable end weight in the back -- but it is the

back division where there is a mismatch. The Wales line is a stone

and a half heavier per man. Clearly an infringement. An opportunity,

then, for some points from Halfpenny, who has been in stunning

form. I think both coaches will be disappointed, three penalties given

away by Wales in attacking positions. The Italians, two

very good from Halfpenny. That is a great strike, very, very good start.

At the moment he probably feels as if there is absolutely nothing he

can't do in a red shirt. It takes his tally to 37 points for the

championship, a couple of tries against the Scots. Great stuff from

Halfpenny in this championship. He has had a lot of contact and he has

gone forward. This is a dangerous position from which Italy can

throttle. A great attacking position for the Italians. Let's

see what they can do. They have brought everybody over. This will

maybe the Parisse, Semenzato and then masterly. -- Masi. A good

scrum ball. Lydiate has to be a bit careful, he broke away from the

scrum there, he has to be binding on the far side of the scrum.

front row, 7th time as a unit in the Six Nations.

REFEREE: Engage. The penalty awarded to the Italians from the

scrummage. The first time they have really got into the Welsh half and

they will come away with some points. Gethin Jenkins up against

Lorenzo Cittadini. Cittadini slotting in for Martin

Castrogiovanni. It is Bergamasco which has the -- who has the

kicking duties through the nail his chances here this

afternoon if the Italians are going to have any sniff at all. Straight

out from the restart. Is it? definitely not. It wasn't the

greatest kick. Bergamasco should be taking that. Number 14. He should

call for it and take it. They are taste by the two Italian centres. -

very well. They are not committing possession. Wales with a fair chunk

more of the ball. Warren Gatland speaking this week again and again

about the need to be patient. Maybe this game will break open in the

Scots. There we are, a dummy run. 16 stones five at. Teenage

showjumping champion. I pity the poor horse who had to carry him

he was offside but there was no ruck Force, the referee said. Look

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Roberts. What happens then, look how tight they are. What happens

then, it's the space on the outside for Cuthbert to come down. Very

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Priestland puts it away for an attacking line-out. Some 12 metres

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is caught in possession. A penalty tackled player, and this bang in

without quite finding the holes. The inside defence is working well

with them. Great tackle by Favaro for the sensational tackle at the

end of that match against the English to sink in. I saw him after

words in the tunnel and I didn't doubt bringing in the ears of the

Welsh players at the moment. That need to keep calm and tried to

subdue the Italians in the first instance. After 20 minutes, it is

pretty tight. The Italians led England 12-6 at the break. They

were close in on Ireland at the break, too. Yes. I don't think we

give them credit. People think they are going to come on... They are

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go their way, it can be a very they pop it into the corner. I just

think you've got to take the points early on in the match. But they've

gone for the penalty again, the touch again. In a Test match you've

got to keep the scoreboard ticking over, the mentality of the losing

the All Blacks, they just chip away. through Jonathan Davies, who is

organised. That's a penalty again. Zanni is there once again. They are

a little bit slow. The Italians are is Burton who will do the job on

defensive front. You wonder how long they can keep up that

intensity and the organisation he wants it. That didn't have any

distance on it. It went straight up decision-making. They haven't had

possession, they should try and go through the phases, give the centre

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They just need that link at nine not being clinical enough at the

will be very happy with that. They will regroup, take the line-out and

clear their line. They are happy when they see Priestland or one of

Italians just absorbing everything that the world can throw at them. -

Evans. They are putting a lot of pressure on him. He hasn't got a

huge distance on his kicks. So they are not really relieving any

pressure. This will tire them out is 48 against eight they will get

tired. Priestland getting caught at -- in two minds. Phillips trying to

soccer in the defence. -- suck in what a great tackle. The Leigh

Halfpenny spots the opportunity, I thought he was in. What a

magnificent tackle. He tries to get on the outside, no way. Of a lovely,

lovely pass. Great tackle, Arbury estate. -- Parisse. Approaching the

half-hour mark, Wales leading by just six points to three. Trying to

scrag -- scramble be Italian ball. The scrum has collapsed, what do

you know. Andrea Lo Cicero, a little smile on his face. There is

a big 10 minutes coming up now. They have been under the cosh,

territory, possession. If they can get into a half-time 3 points

behind they will be very, very happy. A massive amount of pressure

at the scrum. Semenzato just about gets it away. They are swarming

over the top. It has to be a box kick here. The scrum-half has to

clear. Semenzato has a little look. Look at the kick, look where they

end up, still within the 22 metre area. One-way traffic. They need to

hang on just a half-time. Wales now need to work out how they can break

it down. Passes Completed 85 to 18! The ball has been won by Italy and

they come away with it. Sgarbi to Luke McLean. Scrappy possession.

Who will claim it? Again, little mistakes. They had the opportunity

to clear but they didn't. Luke McLean, good left foot, should have

absolutely belted that! A bit misty. That will be the problem. They have

lost a bit of momentum. The opportunity to kick it... Another

at decent attacking platform. Hopefully the scrum at least can

hold steady. Let's see what they do. Straight out to Phillips, who has

seen half a gap. Gethin Jenkins gets it away mack. Priestland to

North. North will use all his strength to march up field. It is

left to half many to tidy things up. He did well. Look at that defensive

line, they got organised very quickly. Jonathan Davies runs and

nice line. Penalty against the Welsh once more. Time again -- time

after time. Jenkins goes in from the side. Desperate defence. Great

angle. There he is, number-one. Jenkins is penalised. There is the

blog on 13, Canale. -- Bulloch. -- line. Matthew Rees has it. North is

looking for work. Now some space for Cuthbert. Very flat defensive

line again from the is Yuri. -- Azzurri. The Italian defence have

reformed. They are spreading well. Halfpenny. Roberts in field. Again,

well bottom -- bottled up. The Italians, absorbing, tackling as if

their lives defended honoured. Little more than five minutes to go.

-- depended on me it. Getting the ball away to Roberts. Surely now

the damn would burst. A penalty to the Welsh. Unfortunate there.

Bergamasco with a great storm ball. Them -- stolen. Gethin Jenkins, the

skipper, has to think again about what he should be doing at this

point. Is it the post or is it the He takes the ball to the line and

opens it up for Faletau. If this comes to the right-hand side, or

Wales score. Watch, little delayed pass. Great offload coming up. As I

said, making the half breaks but just not finishing them off.

Halfpenny, then, two from two so difference now Six points. Wales

nine, Italy three, with the half- time whistle approaching. They have

gone for the try mack on two occasions but the Italian defence

have held firm. -- they have gone for the try. Penalty Italy. That is

what you want from the referee, consistency. Matthew Rees Webb over

the top, sealed it off, and every time the Italians have been in the

22 they have come away with some points. -- went over the top. They

go into touch. Well, well. This is very bold from Italy. You have to

applaud the intent. Well done, Sergio Parisse. We have to score

tries. This is where they are strong, in the forwards. This is

where they want to be. That has come out a hands of Ian Evans and

to the Italians. -- out of the release. If you are isolated for

the split second, he will penalise you by holding the ball on the

floor. Priestland does the necessary. But the Italians are

wanting to show exactly what they are making. Sergio Parisse said

against the Irish but in the end they more or less gave up. -- that

tries to release Cup but. Phillips is half through. A chance. Cuthbert

didn't he? And this will go into touch and this will be half time

and I think the Italians will be very, very happy, 6 points behind

with the possession and the territory. By have hung in there

magnificently. -- they have. Terrific effort from deers Yuri. --

The key question is, how many tackles can Italy make during the

course of an 80 minute game of rugby? From the first minute, they

have been racking them up. Leigh Halfpenny put Wales in the lead,

Bergamasco made it 3-3, Kris Burton taking one of the many knocks he

has had going forwards and backwards. Than magnificent tackle

a Sergio Parisse stopped Wales going forward, so we have a half-

time score that looks like this. It is the kind of day that if ever you

would think you are going to get tries it will be today. The pitch

looks magnificent, the sun is beating down. But you can only

score tries if people missed tackles and the Italians have not

been missing them. They have missed seven but there has always been

somebody behind them to clear up the mess. Look at the total tackles

made, 76 to 14. That gives you an I've watched Six Nations matches

with many internationals, none more passionate than this man. He's been

banging the desk! Have you been proud that the way Italy have coped

with Wales' back line? Definitely. We always thought it would be a

tough game, even if Italy played really well in defence, and they

did. I hope they can keep that for 80 minutes. But 40 minutes you can

do it but now it's another 40. Italy's fitness has tailed off in

previous Six Nations games in this championship. Can they cope? I hope

so, but I think it will be really tough. At the moment we don't

really attack too much. A quick WORK -- a quick word about Parisse?

He's a great friend of mine and a good player. Have you been

surprised that whales haven't kicked more penalties? At the end

of the first half they did because they thought they could break Italy.

What they tried to do, they tried to move it a little and tried to

tire them out and break them in the Wales are leading. But is that all

you can say for it? Yes, I think Italy have played very well.

Defensively, if you look at the stats, you see the amount of

tackles they made and what they have missed as well. The line speed

is very good. They are making double tackles. One play is getting

off very quickly and attempting a turnover. They are doing it

effectively. Wales are a bit slow in that area, hence the turnovers.

Wales getting to the 22. They've lost the ball far too often. As a

flanker who spend your whole life foraging and making tackles, at

what point in the game does the energy than out? Wales just need to

be patient. A classic first of game against Italy where they spoiled

everything, particularly the breakdown where they have been

outstanding. Around the 50-60 minute mark they will start to tire

out. With the bench as well, Wales have got a very strong bench. That

will take its toll on the Italians. One have you made of the Welsh

three-quarter player? They tried to smash down the door rather than be

a bit more creative and get over the gain-line and create the space.

Talking to these guys who are still playing today, it's a bit about

creating mismatches, but I think they are missing a point. It

doesn't matter about mismatches, you on the front foot, they are on

the back foot. It's very difficult to defend running backwards. They

got around the edge a couple of times but what they've done after

that has not continued the tempo. There needs to be a bit of thought

There was a declaration of intent early on. Bringing both Cuthbert

and North in the early. You kind of felt if the dam broke early it

might break repeatedly. absolutely. The Italians are never

going to give up. North is a bit like Halfpenny at the moment, in so

much as he gets the ball and generally something happens around

him. Cuthbert was brilliant against Scotland, wasn't he? He is looking

for work, that is encouraging for Cuthbert. He is still learning his

trade, he's very young. He's only had a couple of caps now. You could

see in Scotland, he scored that try and created one for Halfpenny. He's

a bit frustrated in not getting involved as much as he'd like, but

he is getting involved. You can say in advance you've got to have good

lines of defence the whole time but the practicality is difficult when

you have players lying all over the place. How impressed have you been

that Italy have managed to regroup the whole time? They've done a

really good job. What is helping with that is they are slowing the

ball down in the ruck area. It gives you the time to realign. It

is a wearing down process. Wales know exactly what they are doing.

The back row trying to wrestle the ball, how do they weigh it up?

Clancy seems to be very pernickety around there. He is blowing the

attacking side as well for sealing He got in such a strong position

there. You need to get in very early for the next man. Because we

are trying to play this wide game at the moment, perhaps we are

getting a bit isolated. They are doing the double hit, one low

tackle and then someone competing for the ball. But that's it. I

think Warren has got to address the fact that they can pick and go a

bit more, go round that ruck area. They've just got a fan of Defence

bed. As soon as they go for the attempt and no one wins it, they

just found out and let them do what they want to do. Chris Burton,

discussed. This guy stands so far DP might as well be in a while.

DP might as well be in a while. That is them trying to hide from

making a defence, but they stuck him on the wing and Wales still

found him. His kicking game, not up to scratch. I really do feel for

the guy but some of these are just basic elements and skills of the

game that you should nail. These guys are professionals. Up and

under, just not long enough. can see the Welsh side have done

their homework. The first kick that Priestland put across on Burton,

that signalled out to him that he was going to be targeted. From then,

his confidence has shrunk. The one thing I don't understand, his half-

back pairing has been a perennial problem for Italy since they joined

the Six Nations. You would think a nation with such natural

footballing skills, there be some 13, 14 year old K2 would look at

this and say, this is a great opportunity for me because they

have been crying out for an outside half since Domingo pro-. Hopefully

they will bring it up with some natural, a raw talent. It has got

to be frustrating playing a round that because all you need them to

do is catch and bring your centres up. They can get over the gain-line.

Parisse, he had an amazing half. This is a good bit of Welsh play

but it results in a fantastic piece of tackling. Yes, Wales got exactly

what they want here. They want Halfpenny and Cuthbert on the back

row forward. But on the back row forward is Parisse. We thought he

was in. The guys have been talking about mismatches, and this is what

you would expect. Halfpenny get the ball, a lot of space, Parisse, now

Halfpenny has got to fancy his chances. Look, he just swallows him

behind, I thought that Halfpenny was in there. But Parisse just got

him so quickly. He defended really well, started narrow, worked him on

the outside and took him down. Warren Gatland must be saying at

the moment is... Patience. We got into the 22, Wales... We've

certainly lost it enough times now, so I would be frustrated. I'd take

the three points when we get the chance and build on this game.

tackle is 76-14. Warren will telling that dies, keep doing what

you're doing and they will eventually break. This is the first

of the three matches on this fourth weekend of the Six Nations. After

winning try. 19 years has come to amend. Ireland have the triple

concludes with France against that David Strettle is out of the

England side tomorrow. Next weekend, we call it super Saturday, it is

France, this could be the championship decider - England

the sun is still beating down. -- you can see on the that far side

how the sun is still beating down. I thought this was the day when

that Welsh back line was just going to cut loose. And it hasn't

I don't think they've earned the right to play wide to get. To be

fair to Italy, they have defended very well. They've stopped people

like George North going forward. They've made it very difficult for

us. I don't think Wales need to panic. We need to work on our

patience. I wouldn't have the patience, because I think they've

got the skill to be able to execute. game and this is what's got to

happen, but Jonathan mentioned that the back line has got to be a bit

smarter than just sending the big ones down the middle. Use them as

decoys, execute the past and get there quicker guys on the outside.

They could also be assisted more by some ball carriers. We've seen

Gethin turn over the ball well with Jones, but let us get some more

ball runners, let's have Lydiate and Alun Wyn Jones carrying on to

the ball. How much is Mike Phillips a key factor here? If he makes the

Italian back row think, a world that created it of space elsewhere?

Definitely. The likes of Faletau, they will cause Italy problems.

Just that final pass at the moment, they can't get it in hand. The

Italians have got in really well. There is Chris Burton. How long it

is he going to last? It must be difficult to get inside his head at

the moment because you must know he's not having a great game. Not

that any of you have ever been in that position, but, maybe your

final game, Shane, but he managed to pull the rabbit out of the hat,

but when you are in that situation, how do you somehow did yourself out

of the hole that you put spoken about? It's easier for a forward

because you are involved in the game a bit more. As a centre or

wing, you are relying on getting that all. But he is the perverts.

It's a difficult position to be able to compose yourself and start

playing well. And show Warren will have spoken about the fact he is

someone we can target as well. It could be a difficult second half

for him. The sun still beats down, having said that, it drifted away

from the pitch now. This is bound to be a difficult second half for

Italy. How much longer can they keep putting in those tackles as

the tackle count soars to 150 in to pull it out of the hat, it

unfortunately, at this level you find out that if you are good --

not good enough, you can't pull would have expected to be in this

position after 60 minutes. In the last 60, then they could have

explored and maybe the tries would have come. They've got to keep

their patience and keep the know he is going to penalise you

every time because he has been consistent. You can't have a go at

propped against the English, returned for Ireland and has hung

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Burton has the chance to try this manage that, plenty more would

follow. But they've got to break Sgarbi and Jonathan Davies can hold

on to it for the Welsh. Priestland, across the field into acres of

space. Speeding up the right wing, McLean will gather. With a little

bit of help from his friends. The Welsh have ripped possession of the

about it. The Italians were very fortunate there, it came from their

mistake in a very good attacking position. A great chase. McLean

takes it in. It is a maul and again Clancy is right.

REFEREE: Engage. Stricter ground again. -- straight to ground. I

wonder if we know about the scrum completion rate because it has not

been a good one. People are paying good money to watch a game of rugby

and this is a bad, bad part of the game. The surface is proving a

problem for the referee, George Clancy.

REFEREE: Engage. That is more solid. And then they collapse. The Gethin

Jenkins is singled out. I can't understand the mentality that they

have the scrum, it is under pressure, they are not going to

clear the ball very far. Semenzato is not a great kicker so -- so they

get the ball back and they have time to put a good -- a good kick

in so it would be their throw-in, not a Welsh throw in. Soldini is

the former skipper of the Italian national side. -- Ghiraldini.

Massif. Good work from George North. Excellent work from Lydiate. Clever

kick. Halfpenny is chasing back. Very good chase. Down to my claim.

-- McLean. The idea was good and the execution was poor. Burton

waiting for it. Those basic errors, you know. On the halfway line.

Great tackle, George North. He read that well. George North, still

can't believe he is only 19 years old. 20 caps for his country at

that age. 10 tries as well already. Phillips still going over the 10

metre line. Tipuric feeds and it goes through the line. North is

passing. The quality is not great at the moment. Tipuric forced into

the scrum-half duties, it went through the arms of Ian Evans.

This is what Wales have to do, sit down and work out how they can work

this defence down. -- break this defence. George North popping up

wherever he possibly can. He has caught the eye of Martin

Castrogiovanni. We are making too many mistakes and in the last few

games we lost a lot of balls and we got punished. Interesting, they

need to keep possession again. In this attacking position, they have

great forwards. Even if they come away with three points, they are

still in the game and the momentum is slightly with them. As I said

before, it is about slowing the game down, frustrating them, and

that is what is happening. A great opportunity for the Italians here.

REFEREE: Engage. Semenzato with the fee. Resale gathers. He is picked

up by Lydia. -- police say gathers. -- prop Rhys. Part -- Sgarbi trying

to find a passage through. Away to no claim allied Pat -- out wide. --

tackling is good. -- Cornelius van Zyl. Masi. Wyn Jones puts his big

arms all around him. They need to keep possession, have a bit of a

breather with the ball. The ball has gone loose and Wales have

claimed it. The hooker is there. Five Roberts cuts infield and

Roberts is still going. It is Roberts with the opening try.

I need to prove myself, one of the stars of 2009, he knew he was under

pressure. Scott Williams and breathing down his neck and he has

responded with the first try of the game. Just watch, there is the

break. Matthew Rees puts it's straight in. He has no chance.

Great finish. There is that pace, be awareness. Very simple try mack

-- try. Straight under the sticks for Jamie Roberts so this is the

most simple of conversions for Leigh Halfpenny, who makes

absolutely no mistake, and the complexion of the match has changed.

Wales have a platform from which to launch. There is the hooker. He

can't get across. The hooker is caught in a position... That is the

try. Will that be the break they after? The hooker is caught out of

position. That is what they have been waiting for. Wales will feel a

bit more comfortable now. We have a couple of replacements on the field

for Italy. Bortolani is on in place the Italians have to play. They are

not going to win this game now so they have to change their thoughts.

He has to give them the opportunity to try to recycle. Almost a smile

creeping across the face of Warren Gatland. Love thought almost. Still

plenty of work to be done by his charges. But the Welsh are turning

the screw. This is it now. This is it. There we are. Them Matthew Rees,

then, on the 22 metre line. oath nicely positioned four --

nicely positioned for the Welsh. good position this is. Penalty.

This is a free play. They have the penalty... Matthew Rees once it,

Matthew Rees has it. Priest line- out, to George North. - month --

Priestland now. Great play from Tipuric. Matthew Rees gets it away,

Priestland. It is Cuthbert who stops short. Wonderful defence from

the Italians, but can they hold out? Phillips now, driven on by Wyn

Jones. Tipuric is right on the line. They have to go wide. Zanni in from

the side. Priestland to Halfpenny. Very say with the tackle again. --

Sergio Parisse. Driven on by Lee Beard, Wales going for that second

try. -- by Lydiate. Tipuric is a good footballer, he has come into

his own now. Penalty for Italy, the Welsh off their feet. Opportunity

wasted. The referee is slowing everything down. Give the benefit

of the doubt to be a tax sometimes. -- to the attack. 25 minutes left.

He just misses a tackle, does well to stay in touch. This is the burst

from Cuthbert, who was very close himself. Burton clinging on for

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dear life. Tommaso D'Apice is on nations' Championship, Jonathan

Davies. A couple of tries against They want to see another try year

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 94 seconds

today. Playing his rugby in by John a comfortable margin here at the

moment. But they will not be where the amount of tackles that

the Italians have made, they will whip, two or three passes, make the

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fact, it's so solid, it's not the ball then. The match has broken

right up. That's what they have talked about all week. It's the

last 20 minutes when the game will open up. When it does, it plays

right into the hands of the Welsh really taken its toll on them. They

are looking very tired on their Bergamasco. To withdraw from the

linesman or assisted referee and he wouldn't give it. That's a

going to be a yellow card. He was challenging for the ball. What is

wrong with Bergamasco? He is a Sergio Parisse lying prone. Leigh

Welsh half-back, the Welsh full- back rather, who has played such a

key role through the course of this championship. Taking out Parisse to

the air and despatched to the cooler. He hasn't taken his eyes

off the ball. I don't think there was intent bed. It's a very clumsy

came down with a fearful clatter. I'm sure he will be all right. The

reaction of Bergamasco there, he is pitch, apart from react to

incidents. Castrogiovanni. What are your thoughts? I think it was a

yellow card. Sergio is 10 times taller than him. When he jumped, he

went straight to his knee. You can't protest that, it's a yellow

card. I think it is reaction we are on about. The intent wasn't there.

It was a clumsy challenge. You have a yellow card. Owens is coming onto

the field in place of Matthew Rees. In return for Charteris as well. He

will take the place of Alun Wyn Welsh since the World Cup, where he

was absolutely outstanding. Back from a wrist injury. He had surgery

on it and played a single game for the Dragons against Munster a week

30 to 40 metres out by the pack. More replacements in the form of

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Italians. A Munster hit from a Luke Sgarbi. They are keeping possession

but they are not making any inroads side they've got a chance. They are

so slow, only one option here. not had a worse game in a Welsh

shirt than the one he didn't enjoy at Twickenham. James Hook waiting

in the wings. Recovered from of Toby Faletau. Captain of the

Grand Slam winning team in 2008. Excellent in the opening two

Canale is struggling. Ryan Jones has come on. There he is, he's

place of Canale. Try scorer against keep it in touch. Trying to do

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 94 seconds

sharper service. It gives Burton a action directly after this match.

The first time the women's team have played at the Millennium

Stadium. Wales trying to create the Very nearly an interception from

Jamie Roberts. It looks as if... That will be disappointing for the

Italians. Good bit of energy from Tobias Botes. He Telegraph to the

pass to Jamie Ward -- Jamie Roberts. Here he is, one of the best kickers

of the ball of all time. Problem with the referee's microphone. The

Welsh have 12 minutes to try to add a bit of Gloucester this

performance. -- gloss. The Italians have not looked like scoring a try,

even with the extra man. The inside defence is so slow, he opens up,

scores between the posts. Jamie Roberts will be delighted to score

that. Celebration time to Jamie Roberts -- for Jamie. Scott

Williams comes on. The hero of Twickenham. He will enjoy coming on,

running at the tired Italians. I think there is still a couple of

tries... There he is! Good scrum. Opportunity for the Welsh as they

move over the 10 minute side. Phillips is all by himself. Poor

pass. Offside. It was a penalty from the scrum. Lack of

communication from the Welsh. Very, very good scrum with the pack and

then the opportunity for Phillips to go on the short side but

unfortunately there was nobody with 10. There is the poor pass. --

nobody with him. What are they doing here? There is a decision to

be taken about exactly what happens but we have a kick at goal.

Halfpenny is in the bin so it is as he had kicked did he turned and

went away. -- kicked it. It is instructive that Warren Gatland

left him on the field at Twickenham even though he had had a torrid

time of it. In these early stages of his international career it is

important for him to see it through. Wales extend their lead. Wyn Jones

field for the Italians. 16. Smack the difference. -- 16 points.

Webb comes on instead of Mike Phillips. -- in place of. Rhys Webb

force is the turnover. His first touch. Good start. He will

certainly start a round the ruck and the more here because that is

what he likes doing. -- dart around. Late call-up for Rhys Webb this

week due to Lloyd-Williams' thigh injury from a few weeks ago. He was

hospitalised. He took a punster the at to see what Rhys Webb can

conjure. -- the match to see. George Clancy likes to take his

time with replacements. Andrea Lo Cicero is her hobbling off. -- is

hobbling. Wales struggling for a clean ball from the base of the

scrum. Possession for the Italians, this is Tobias Botes. He has looked

sharp since he has come on. Bortolami through the fingers of

Sgarbi. The Italians have some Pep in their step. Tobias Botes to

Burton. Bortolami. Can't quite get it away. Eventually it falls to

Cuthbert to do the clearing. Falling ever so slightly dangerous.

Very good kick down the field. Good chase as well by the right wing. --

winner -- winner. At some point he had to go forward as opposed to

sidle up -- sideways. Inside ball for Roberts. He keeps it alive.

Away now for Scott Williams. Paul James. Wales are queueing up.

is end injured player. -- and injured. The crowd think they have

scored. There was an offside plus a blocked. Ryan Jones not at all

pleased. There was a block so he could not give the try because of

the obstruction. I would like to see it again, watch, inside ball,

Rhys Webb just takes the second one out. Watch, number 20, there is and

the obstruction so the try could not be awarded but the previous

offence was a penalty for Wales. And Priestland hates it into touch.

James Hook is on the field. And he will love these last five minutes.

He takes his place at fullback. Wales have an excellent attacking

foot nine inches off in. -- Owens fines. Keeping it very tight, the

Welsh here. Rhys Webb issuing the orders. Now some width. Priestland.

Away for Cuthbert. It the Italians the Italians, who are just hanging

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there is no way to go. Scott Williams has found James Hook out

wide. Good vision from Scott Williams. Priestland now. Wales

desperately tried to keep the ball alive. It is be Ian Evans who is on

top of the ball. Wales take it quickly. Cuthbert away, Cuthbert is

going strong. Can he make it to the line? Yes, he can! Great finish.

That is one thing he can do, he can finish. A second international

score for Alex Cuthbert. Watch this, again, it is before Wood, he is

tired. -- it is the forward. Great finish, Cuthbert. That has been the

difference. Two tries with a hooker in the defensive line. Luger McLean

climbing all over the top of them. -- luger McLean. This is Priestland,

to add the extras. Across the face of the posts. There is the prop

forward and he is going to take on the outside. This is the attacker,

number 17. That is the end of the afternoon for the Italians. Great

finish. Burton with the restart. Zanni has that. Here Comba Welsh

again. What the pick up from Scott Williams. -- here come the Welsh.

seconds left to play. Wales on course to do exactly what they set

out to do. It may have been harder work than 20 thought it might be. -

pick the RBS man of the match. Halfpenny has played well, so has

Tipuric. For me, with what he's had to work with, my man of the match

for the Welsh. A four of the five pieces of the Welsh jigsaw now in

place. Beat the French here next week and the mission is complete.

The next seven days will be fun. will be. Trying to keep a lid on it

in Wales will be one thing. Maybe people will be slightly

disappointed, but it worked out the way we spoke about before the game.

I don't think the referee help the flow of the game. But ultimately,

two tries, running a tired forward. They've got the result, 24-3.

Welsh fans will gather from all points - North, South, East and

West - in anticipation of what could be a third Grand Slam in

eight seasons. Warren Gatland suggesting he had had an easy time

keeping everybody's feet on the ground, maintaining focus. Two

tries this afternoon after the happy with each other, but they are

closing in on what could be a spectacular afternoon next Saturday.

scoring at the Millennium Stadium. You have to dig in today. We knew

it would be tough from the start. We knew it would be high on the

first half. We just went for it and hopefully the second half we would

come through. Did it's surprising how tight that the Italian defence

was? Yes, there were great was outstanding. It was hard to break

them down. It seemed like a nervous first half performance. What did

Warren Gatland say to you at half- time? Just keep going. There were a

few handling errors, it might have been a different story. In the

second half we knew we could grind them down. Your view on the yellow

card? I thought it may be fifty- fifty from my position. But it's a

yellow card. I guess it was the right decision. Triple Crown in the

bag, four out of four. The fans will talk about the Grand Slam all

week. Any talk of that in the camp? Not at all. We take each day as it

comes. Hopefully we will get a big comes, but he knows it is going to

be all about the Grand Slam next Saturday. The middle game on the

final weekend of the Six Nations. Interesting the way the second half

panned out. Not quite so many tackles or the Italians, it didn't

have as much structure. In the end, 24-34 Wales means they are played

Are they guaranteed a share of the title? No, they are not. If France

win tomorrow and then next week, then they will win. It could come

out of points difference if England were to win tomorrow. As things

stand, Wales are the team that everyone is going to be talking

about over the next seven days. Let's have a final word with

Italian team in a positive sense after that, but when you've been

playing in the forwards were so many years, in a pack that has

equality, how frustrating is it for the Italians when everything seems

to break down behind the scrum? you see me outside, it's quite hard.

I think to Gade, we had really good defence. -- today. I think we need

to work a bit more on the attack because we didn't manage to attack

at all today. You can't win a game just with defence. At one point,

when Halfpenny was in the bin, were you disappointed with the way Italy

couldn't make the man advantage count? Yeah. I think we managed to

the defence really good. Wales are a good team because they managed to

don't give you too many good ball or make you play too much. They

showed you that today. Any chance of you being fit to play in the

match against Scotland next week? will try, but I need to have a word.

I need to see in the week and have a scan and see if it has healed. I

Let's have a quick thought about Roberts' try. Once he'd scored, we

were off. No, it's just straightening up really. We

straightening up really. We certainly played with a lot of whip.

It's a bit of a mismatch. I didn't think Jamie was going to get this.

He pinned his ears back and got in Loose ball commitment. You can get

a bit carried away in these holds Bergamasco to give him a

That is as calm as the Welsh backs have been. They delivered and

executed those passes. Bergamasco made the wrong call and Jamie just

strolled through. Two matches going and Wales have

managed to stand down to 13 and not lost points. Did he deserve the

sin-bin? I think he was totally focused on the ball. I don't think

he deserved it. Obviously the Italians made it George Clancy's

decision a lot easier. If it is a foul, it is a foul. That was clumsy.

He carried on running both so his timing was all off. It was

deserving of a penalty but definitely not a yellow card in my

opinion. As a winner, you enjoyed Cup but's try. Yes, he finishes

signed at the start of the season. He is one step away from being a

Grand Slam winner after five months of being a professional rugby

player. It's a great story. When you've got an opportunity, you've

got to take it. Jonathan had the bottle of champagne and he was the

man who awarded the man of the match, but everyone in here thought

that Tipuric would get it. For his first start he was outstanding.

Great skills, greater awareness. He would have probably found it very

tough at the breakdown today against the Italians. But he put a

will ever come across. He was outstanding, I thought. We have an

interactive forum coming up after the Ireland Scotland game, so any

thoughts you have about this match and Wales' Grand Slam ambitions, do

give us a shout. Given the way that the Italian defence was so

watertight for a huge percentage of the game, how well the French

approach the game next week having seen that? Very similar in defence.

Line speed his cheek against a Welsh back line. The breakdown is

key. An early tackle, get the player down quickly, and then one

person attacks the ball and tries the turnover. If they don't win it,

spread out and see what Wales can bring to them. France playing

tomorrow against England. Before that, we are off to the Aviva

stadium in Dublin, for Ireland A further win at Twickenham was

about character, this is about I thought we played great rugby in

the first half. Great in territory and possession. The man with the

whistle didn't make it easy for us today. He was being pedantic.

what? Difficult for any flow for us. You think that a team that has that

much territory and position, then it shouldn't be 13 in a game. It

was a bit frustrating. But the boys tried really hard. We are four from

four and have next week to look forward to. What is your view of

the yellow card? A thought it was pretty tough. He jumped for the

ball. He didn't jump to take him out. I thought he was a bit unlucky.

There was a big cause in these The boys are a bit flat in the

changing room but we are happy with the intent that was out there. To

come away and only concede three points. While they flat minus four

out of four? I think they really wanted to score some points today.

They didn't really get that opportunity. They were frustrated

at the breakdown. Recycling the ball, turned into a bit of a dog

fight. You know what will happen now over the next couple of days...

There will be T-shirts printed. Renewed ban any talk of that in the

ground? As long as we don't make any advertisements like were made

last year. But it's on, isn't it? We've got a chance. You are at home.

I thought the crowd today we are fantastic. Next week, try and keep

our heads down and not do too much. If we do achieve a Grand Slam, to

have three in the last seven or A final word, you've been there and

done it. What will it be like for the players in the next seven days?

This game is a perfect game. It brought them back down to earth.

They will be in their hotel all week, they will be in a little

bubble. They have been a few lads who've done it before. They will

manage. They've got the semi-final of the World Cup, so they know what