Wales v Italy Six Nations Rugby

At just before 6pm last Saturday evening, it was briefly looking

possible that Wales would be playing Italy today needing a win to seal

a third Six Nations in Championship in five years.

But alas for Warren Gatland's men, they fell just short against

Today, after a testing week, the message is clear from the boss. Make

up for the disappointment of last week.

For Italy, they already know the ignominy of a sixth Wooden Spoon

in the last nine seasons is theirs, but they'll be looking for a fitting

leaving present for coach Jacques Brunel, in charge

Cardiff is not used hosting a match with not much to play for but the

roof is closed and the one we can guarantee is another red-hot

atmosphere in the principality Stadium.

Here is the RBS Six Nations table going into the final

England are already the winners for the first time in five years.

Tonight in Paris, they go for their first Grand Slam since 2003.

And you can see if Eddie Jones can emulate that great

Sir Clive Woodward team live here on BBC1.

Before that, Scotland will travel to Dublin to take on a rejuvenated

Ireland, and we lead things off here in Cardiff.

We have a Welshman, and Italian written, and Irishman. We're not

quite sure why Keith Wood Mike Rozier but we welcome him -- is here

but we welcome him anyway. There's a joke in there, definitely!

Let's start with a reminder of last weekend, when the Six Nations really

It is drummed into everybody, the Six Nations does not do easy. It may

look always brilliant and amazing but it does not do easy. This was

brilliant. And this was going to be an amazing try. But it was all a

little too easy. Italy just could not stop giving. And Ireland just

could not stop taking. Gorging on tries, six of the Rory Best, seven,

eight, nine, easy on the Irish eyes. Oh, Italy.

What is it like to be new to the Six Nations? A first taste of an ancient

rivalry. Easy. If ever a player made light of the strains of the

showdown, it was Maro Itoje. England, racking up the points.

Whoever would have said it could be this easy? This hard for Wales? But

the Six Nations does not do easy. And even when England's numbers went

up, they also went down to 14 and Wales came to life. Suddenly, it was

anything but easy. And it was growing more difficult with each

charge. With every passing minute. And who knows? Being a touch judges

never easy. What is it like to be new to the Six Nations? That is

easy. It is good. The hardest thing in the Six

Nations? Working out France. With the single-handed grace, they can

cut the best into tartan ribbons. But they remain a mystery to

themselves. And Scotland were never going to make this easy for them.

Scotland, bed up with not delivering, hardened themselves. No

excuses, deliver. France, stay calm, relaxed, take it easy. Not that

easy. Too easy for Duncan Taylor. It was not the end. Win here and France

were still in the title chase. The skill of the day would hand the

title to England. England, watching in their easy chairs.

And the Welsh rugby fans still asked the question, what on earth happened

in the opening ten or 15 minutes at Twickenham? It's been a really tough

week for the Welsh Rugby union and Warren Gatland after Joe Marler,

Samson Lee, what was said on the pitch. Does that have any bearing on

what happens today? I don't think it has any bearing on today's match for

the players. That's on the periphery and they've got a job to do and they

want to put things right. After a poor performance at Twickenham, yes,

they played well in the last 20 but generally it was a poor performance.

I agree with you, it's not been a great week for the game. Warren

Gatland will probably regret what he said in the middle of the week but

hopefully we can draw a line under it and move on. He described the

comments as, " banter", but the trouble is, the Welsh Rugby union

and Warren Gatland found themselves the story. Nobly covered themselves

in glory this week. Everyone seemed to get it wrong and the only person

came out with any credit with Samson Lee. I think all the Welsh players

will gather around him and make certain he has a good day today.

Carlo, yet another trip to Cardiff for Italy where they don't have a

happy hunting ground. It's been an awful tournament. On the back of

what happened in London last week as well, they are under a massive

amount of pressure to perform, get a bit of pride and take something with

the tournament. -- what happened in Ireland. They do give Jacques Brunel

good sendoff. The worry for Italy is they are facing a wounded Wales, the

player still hurting after last week. It's going to be difficult,

losing 17 players with injuries and a pumped up Welsh side who want to

put things right and I think they will come out of the blocks firing.

Very poor starts against Ireland and England but at home they want to

finish with a bang. They did a similar thing to years ago to

Scotland and put 50 points on them so it could be a long day for Italy.

Keith Summey you are in Dublin, our bad were Italy? Dreadful, ten metres

to go to their own line and they waved people through and Ireland

scored with ease. The forwards stopped making those big, heavy

tackles. Playing against Italy other forward is always horribly hard,

very difficult but it was not for Ireland last week. Jacques Brunel's

final Six Nations match in charge today. Conor O'Shea is likely to

take charge. Whoever it is, it will be quite

a task after a dispiriting month Try for the French winger. That is a

monster kick. He has missed. An heroic performance by the whole

Italian side but France have come through.

It is a simple gift the Jonathan Joseph. Italy, simply giving England

too much possession. This is more like it, England's cutting loose.

And in goes Seymour, that should clinch it. Scotland storming away to

victory in Rome. And for Italy, trips to Dublin and Cardiff make the

Wooden Spoon a grave likelihood. You wonder what might have been for

Italy if they'd won the opening match against France in Paris?

Interception and they tried for Ireland! Italy just want to get

home. Dreadful play from Italy. When you lose matches like that, you say

you deserve it but when you see what we have done in the past, I think

Italy have started to play in this tournament.

Even if they win today, Italy cannot avoid the Wooden Spoon,

and that means they've finished bottom of the table 11 times

in the 17 years since they joined the competition.

It can't have been an easy week in the Italian camp.

Ross Harries has been speaking to their team manager Carlo

Tomato Alan starting at ten today, your fourth fly half in the

tournament so far. How difficult is it to get consistency when your

playmaker and your general is different in virtually every game?

Yes, it is difficult but it is like that. Tommaso Allan has been out

with the previous injuries he had but then he recovered with his club

and started to play and now he's here and has the chance and the

quality. I hope that he will give his contribution to the team, to a

great performance today. This is a dead rubber, Italy can't finish

anything other than bottom of the pile which has reignited the debate

about promotion and relegation from the Six Nations. Sergio Parisse made

his views clear, he's dead against it. What are your thoughts? Why, I

don't understand the reason why, every year, we get out at that point

from 2011, to 2015, in 25 matches in the Six Nations, Italy won five out

of 25 and Scotland won four. So why every year do you have to get out of

this point? I think Italy is one of the six and definitely Italy

deserves to be there. The most important thing is how we can work

better to make a much more competitive side and the possibility

we have our very big. I think the Pro12 is starting, with the new

agreement that we achieved, it is starting to produce better results.

The new coaching course that will start I think is more concentrated

on that. I don't see any reason and I really would like not to hear that

any more because there is no sense. Best of luck today. Thank you.

Songs ringing around the stadium and do you think that under Jacques

Brunel, Italian rugby has regressed? The amount of Plessey as I do select

because of injury most of the time, is expanded the pool and the depth

as well. -- amount of players he has had. Behind the scenes, he's got

academies in place to choose players and he's gripped feeding that

information and he can call on players that three or four years

ago, he could not call upon because they were playing the majority of

the time in amateur rugby. I remember being with you under the

Nick Mallett regime in Ireland came close to losing and they were a

match for everyone and they even close to losing and they were a

beat France on a final Saturday. Do you think they've gone backwards? I

think they really struggled this year, as I limited, with a bit of a

World Cup hangover. It takes a huge amount out of the team. If you have

injuries and you don't have strength in depth, you become incredibly

exposed. But the last two or three Six Nations, as it has gone on,

Italy have got worse towards the end. That is definitely to do with

strength in depth. They need to build on it. They have put the

structures in place but they need to start delivering the players into

the first-team very quickly. There's a great debate raging right now,

Sergio Parisse did not like it when it came up in a news conference

yesterday about whether there should be relegation from the Six Nations,

like Georgia, who play in Romania today, they are ranked higher than

Italy and if today, they are ranked higher than

team finishing bottom of the Six Nations taking on the team at the

top of the European Nations cup for a place in the Six Nations in a

play-off, that makes it a really exciting finale. It's a valid

argument we're not talking about just Italy, if Wales finished

bottom, they played off against Georgia, 55000 and we saw in the

World Cup how dangerous they are and how much they are improving,

Georgia. The only problem is there's another two Test matches and players

I have already played too many games. It's something that could

I have already played too many early. We should give Italy more

Robert Giles because they've been hit with injuries but it's something

to look at in the future. One bright light has been Palazzani. He has

been, last week, there were not many things that went well

been, last week, there were not many his work and his sheer commitment to

everything he was doing on the field last weekend was something really

positive to take away from it. Here, last weekend was something really

absolutely blazing behind him and he runs the clear, blocking line, he's

outpaced but he manages to stop a certain try. Here, he's looking for

instinct and territory and certain try. Here, he's looking for

keep the pack moving forward and then he had a little chip over the

top of the ruck and find space into touch. They have gained a lot of

territory. He is doing what every number nine should do. He's in the

second line of defence, managing the boys upright and clearing those

sweeping kicks, adding something. boys upright and clearing those

Who is there to clear it up, but Palazzani? To some up his afternoon,

this pass from the base of the ruck floating over the top of the Irish

defence and it is the vision, getting your head stuck in the ruck,

ball over the top, beautiful, floated pass. But the problem is,

consistently when it comes to Italy, we're only singling out one or two

players in the Test match. we're only singling out one or two

the difficulty. Sergio Parisse is talked about in every game Andy

Goode get their discipline as well, they give

away so many silly penalties, it their discipline as well, they give

puts them under pressure. I'm fascinated to see how they will come

out and approach today, fascinated to see how they will come

take it back to fascinated to see how they will come

try to give it a go against fascinated to see how they will come

team which could be difficult for them. It's been a testing week for

the Welsh Rugby union and for Warren Gatland.

For changes today, three of them injury enforced. Where you tempted

to make more? -- four changes. We discussed it but we felt that the

injuries were enough and there's an opportunity for the players that

played last week and for whatever reason, we did not turn up for the

first 16 minutes and then we were fantastic of the last 20. -- but the

first 60 minutes. Sometimes there's a chance for players to go out there

and redeem themselves, though. The one change is Webb in an scrum-half.

What has he done in your rise to warrant regaining the shirt from

Gareth Davies? Garris is pretty unlucky but Webb has not had a lot

of rugby. He was potentially fit a couple of weeks ago. But getting

back to play action between the Test matches and union, I thought he

looked pretty sharp last week and that brings experience and be

communication and torque is what sets them apart sometimes from the

other scrum-half, he's very vocal. It's been a difficult week on and

off the pitch. As it difficult to focus minds ahead of this week? Not

really, we have put issues behind us, have not spoke about anything

during the week. In fairness to the players, they were brilliant during

the week. The coaches said to the players, what could we have done

differently in terms of preparation in the way that we started the first

half against England? They were pretty honest with themselves and

made a pretty honest assessment and said it was not a good enough start

to last week and we showed what we could do in the end, in the last 20

minutes. We outscored England three tries to one but still lost the game

which is Prydie disappointing. We need to start well. That has been

the Hulk Hogan is in terms of preparing and starting well. -- the

whole focus. The Welsh rugby fans are pretty well voice today but if

they had their way, all of the starting 15 last week would not have

played. We take it pretty seriously! That's a bit harsh but it was an

incredibly poor start, everyone is scratching their heads, how did

Wales start so poorly? It was something they don't do normally,

missing tackles, a poor kick from Gareth Davies giving Mike Brown a

chance to run back and Dan Lydiate misses the tackle and England on the

front foot. Weak ball from Ben Youngs, who I thought was brilliant

in the first 20-30 minutes. England were smart, went down the blindside

and took the Welsh split defence out of play. Good yards by Robshaw, over

the gain line and this is where they were really good, Dylan Hartley is

carrying right into the strength of the Welsh defence. Look at the dam

between Jonathan Davies and the others, so disorganised, if you get

an off-load like Dylan Hartley does there, George Ford get him on the

front foot and that is the first minute of the game but without the

ball as well, they were so poor and disjointed. No one is taking

control. Dan Biggar goes to nobody. Robert cleans up but they are on the

back foot. They are all looking at each other, Gareth Davies is not

sure what to do and in the end it's just desperation, five Welsh

forwards who are used to going around the corner and carrying.

Leaving it to Dan Biggar to put it up and Mike Brown, no challenge and

he's on the front that again. That was the first few yards and again,

Ben Youngs and George Ford, they should have finished this off and it

could have been 30 points up, England in the first. And given your

experience working under Warren Gatland, Rob Howley and Shaun

Edwards, you know how Shaun Edwards prides himself on defence and

missing tackles for Wales is under a Jurisic. It's not a mindset and you

have to give England credit, their footwork of the back three and the

centres and the back row carried really well. But I'm pretty sure

that the first 20 minutes, you're not going to see many missed tackles

from the Welsh. The defensive line was not as quick as normal for Wales

and actually, the kick chase in the first 15 or 20 minutes was

nonexistent from the forwards. You know you are going to get hard words

from the changing room during the week. We are not used to that from

Wales. We are used to huge energy and a huge amount of noise in their

defensive line or their forwards delivering for the team. They seemed

a bit flat. It is amazing, it was a big game for them, really big game

and they did not quite get into the match. George North have had a

couple of big bangs to the head and there have been concerned about his

health and welfare but this Six Nations, he's been absolutely

terrific. Yes and we forget that he is still only 23. Most players win

their first cap at 23 and this is his 60th. He came on the scene with

such a bang and he is such a prolific try scorer. In an open game

like today, and full of confidence from he's going to be a very

dangerous weapon for Wales. I think he's lost a bit of weight. He seems

to have trimmed down a bit. Particularly in the top. His legs

are still like tree trunks! He's a big and physical man but he seems to

have shed a few pounds and he's back to being light on his feet again.

He's such a dangerous weapon for Wales. It is one thing to see him,

looking for work, coming off the wing, attacking the forwards and

close to the breakdown, not just standing, waiting for the ball to be

delivered but looking for work. As a tight forward, when you see this

mutant of a man in front of you, it changes the way the defensive

structure works. This afternoon will be a memorable

occasion for two Welsh Rhys Webb will make his first start

since rupturing ankle ligaments against Italy in September

and missing the World Cup, whilst Dan Lydiate captains

his country in a Test Warren Gatland asked me yesterday

and I jumped at the chance. I've never done it in a capped game

before. It is a massive honour for my family as well. I'm chuffed to

bits. With the squad we have got, there's a wealth of experience

there, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, it makes your job easy when

you are looking round and there's a leader throughout the team. On for

Wales at scrum-half, Rhys Webb, horrible injury in the World Cup

campaign but back in action now. The World Cup, I try to stay away from

it as much as possible because I was in a dark place at the time. I

worked hard to get myself back in a good position. All the way to the

corner and scores! What a trifle Gareth Davies! Wearing the jersey

makes me work a bit harder because I want to get the number nine jersey

back. It is the end of Warren Gatland's title hopes. At this

level, if you are off by 1% in different aspects of the game, it

makes a big difference. There's a lot of head scratching going on this

week, and soul-searching, and you want answers because nobody wants to

be like that again. We let the fans down but not only them, no one is

hurting more than us and the coaches. It is not a blame culture

but we are honest. That is the best way to be. If you can't be honest

with each other, you will never learn. We've got a lot to prove,

ourselves and the coaches need to prove that we are a lot better than

we were last week and Wales itself, we know how much support we have

from the nation itself and we want to go out there and do them proud

this weekend. We want to play and the boys have been trying to play.

We won't be chucking it around like the Barbarians but we know we have a

job to do first. Hopefully they will tire and the boys can show what they

are all about. There he is, a massive David Dan

Lydiate as well but I want to talk to you about Rhys Webb, he's a

wonderful character to have around as God. -- a massive date for Dan

Lydiate. A remarkable recovery for Webb, ended in September but back in

a number nine jersey. He's hit the ground running after a dreadful

injury the World Cup warm up game. It's a great position for Wales to

be in, choosing between Webb and Gareth Davies but I think Rhys Webb

alongside Dan Biggar, who he plays his club rugby with, probably gets

him the nod. It's the worst possible scenario for Italy in a way, simply

because you have Rhys Webb coming out here and he said, when it. I

think that is the right mindset for this game. We called it a dead

rubber earlier but you are playing for your country and wearing your

jersey and you want to deliver for it. There's a bit of the pressure

off because Italy are struggling and Wales want to get their confidence

back. If they get couple of early scores, the floodgates will open.

Fantastic atmosphere at the Principalities daily and a massive

day for Dan Lydiate but is he playing as well as he has done for

Wales? I don't think the back row as the unit has functions that well but

it is a huge day and he deserves to be captain because he's been a

stalwart for the last four or five years. A proud moment for him and

his family but hopefully the Welsh team can score nine tries against

Italy like Ireland did last week. I think that's exactly what is going

to happen. It could be 60, 65, 70 points. It could be that hard for

Italy today. A wonderful atmosphere, red hot inside the Brezovan at

Tuesday year. Try telling these Welsh bands that this Test match

does not matter. -- at the Principalities daily above after the

anthems, we will join your commentators. -- at the

Principalities Stadium. # Fratelli d'Italia

l'Italia s'e desta # dell'elmo di Scipio

s'e cinta la testa # Le porga la chioma

che schiava di Roma # Fratelli d'Italia

l'Italia s'e desta # dell'elmo di Scipio

s'e cinta la testa # Le porga la chioma

che schiava di Roma # Stringiamci a coorte

siam pronti alla morte # Siam pronti alla morte

l'Italia chiamo # Mae hen wlad fy nhadau

yn annwyl i mi # Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,

gwladgarwyr tra mad CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

COMMENTATOR: It has been a fairly low-key build-up to the game but

Wales at this stage in particular, don't do low anthems. The home

support looking for a festival into this Six Nations. You might see a

fair few different names tried out today but Warren Gatland goes

largely with the tried and tested. But a new captain in Dan Lydiate,

taking the armband from Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric has

openside flanker. A timely return to Luke Charteris in the second row

alongside Bradley Davies. A significant change in the backline

where Rhys Webb, after all his injury problems, is back at

scrum-half ahead of Gareth Davies and Hallam Amos comes in for Alex

Cuthbert on the left-wing so George North switches to the right. The

injury list for Italy grows ever longer, all change in the second

wrong with Bruce and Biaggi replaced by Galton has an Valerio Bernabo and

Martin Castrogiovanni gets a start at prop, the 34-year-old winning his

119th cap. Michaela Campagnaro is that with a knee injury so

Pratichetti get his first start in almost four years and there's

another change at fly half went to Matt Aalen comes in ahead of Edoardo

Padovani who is also injured. The replacements, which stresses the

strength in depth that Wales have ahead of Italy, some of the names,

Rhys Priestland one of those who we thought might get more of an outing

at fly half but I'm sure we will see him later in the game. Romain Poite

is in charge of this one today. Wayne Barnes and Vandeweghe days in

running touch and surely we will be hearing from the TMO. Tommaso Allan

is ready with the ball, and the youngster, the new captain for

Wales, Dan Lydiate, who has captained them once before but in a

touring match against Eastern province kings in 2014. Hallam Amos

on the wing, a little bit of the Shane Williams about him, in terms

of his speed foot. A very tricky winger. And Rhys Webb at scrum-half

today. Away we go, the first match on the final day of the 2016 RBS Six

Nations. Liam Williams, already scratching his way up the

Nations. Liam Williams, already Rhys Webb with an early touch. Put

through by the left boot of Jonathan Davies. Body yeti, the try scorer

against Ireland last week at the Aviva Stadium. -- O'Dea Ettie. A

good take by Dan Biggar, something he does so very well. Webb points

the way and gives it onto Samson Lee. Plenty of men over, beyond

Sergio Parisse to George Lee. Plenty of men over, beyond

Sergio Parisse eventually gets hold Lee. Plenty of men over, beyond

himself and he uses way onward. -- heaves his way. Plenty of early ball

for Wales to play with. Bradley Davies.

Dan Biggar again and wider it goes to Jonathan Davies. Find his run

outside but Hallam Amos is taken by Leonardo Sarto, the big, powerful

winger. Still there, for Wales. A little pokes through from Williams.

Parisse is there and the crowd think Williams will take on late but not

so. Parise. Delaying his past nicely and there is Sarto. Castrogiovanni.

Tommaso Allan. Carrying it in but is almost carried himself as Wales try

to hold him up. Baldwin was doing his best. Carried in by Davitt

Giazzon. -- David Giazzon. The Groucho John -- urge on the men in

red blood the Azzurri are making a bit of decent ground with the ball

and the result is a Wales scrum at the end of that.

Everyone has spoken about this call in today. I think the Italians just

have to up their intensity. They've got to do the basics well but also I

think they've got to keep the ball and go through the phases. When they

have the ball, they are in control of the game. It is a big ask.

They've got to start well and hang on in there. He has had a great

championship. He is looking for a try today. That would be four games

in a row. Only Shane Williams has done that for Wales in four straight

Six Nations games. The coaches have spoken about him being involved in

the attacking game. They still have to earn the right to go wide. They

still have to go forward first. Let's see if they develop their

attacking play. Looking forward to the battle up front. He is up

against Martin Castrogiovanni. There is a massive right-hand side scrum.

Italy really need to try and dominate this. They need to get

results from this. Just bounced off his man. Wales pouring up to the 22.

Scrum-half felt that. A little cross from Dan Biggar. He gets in their in

front of his opposite number. They have gone to the offside. I think he

overran it. No advantage here to Italy. Whiteman string -- it would

be interesting to look at Guglielmo Palazzani. Here is the kick. How the

assistant referee, look at this, how the assistant referee hasn't seen

that. It should be a penalty for Italy. Instead, line to Wales. Rhys

Webb. He scores. Wales have been tried. Italy, when you see the

replay, have a sense of injustice. What a return for the scrum-half. A

great finish once again for Rhys Webb. He adapted so well to

international rugby. One opportunity. For the first four

minutes, he was given, given. Just watch this. The ball just drops out.

I think the referee a little bit is in the way. There is the conversion.

Rhys Webb is so lethal round the pace at the right. If forwards don't

give him enough attention and close in that space, he will explode all

afternoon. Offside before that line-out. It should have been an

Italian penalty. Once Wales got this, and that is what Gareth Davies

has been doing in his time as a scrum-half, and Wales begin the

scoring. Five minutes gone. Dan Biggar takes the restart. And

Samsung Lee. Map sent it high. An enclosed arena today.

Samsung Lee. Map sent it high. An was Evans. A bit of a fumble from

Jonathan Davies. It went backwards, says the referee. A chance for

Italy, but well watched by Williams. Great covering by the full-back.

They are trying to play it. It's going to be loose. They are going to

create chances. An expansive game plan. Wales are looking at moving

the ball but it isn't under control. Somebody like that Italian, he's got

the skills and he will exploit those advantages, Leonardo Sarto. Rhys

Webb gives it to Dan Biggar. The ball has gone and Jonathan Davies

has to move it up. -- he has to do it up. That was a risky play. They

will be looking to exit from the pace of that trial. Everything has

will be looking to exit from the to be spot on and clinical. It

seemed a bit loose. Uncharacteristic of Wales. Italy, I think, a

promising attacking position. Italy's line at this time,... The

penalty to Italy. There was interference, Guglielmo Palazzani

going up. The right call from the referee. He is impeded as he tries

to get the ball out of the air. A clear penalty. Tommy Alan coax

into the corner and Italy will have a seven metre

Here come Italy. front. And the big beast, Martin

Castrogiovanni, has it at the back. Just about lost it, Guglielmo

Palazzani, but clings on. Just about lost it, Guglielmo

Allan takes it in. A very busy blindside flanker. Francesco Minto.

Martin Castrogiovanni alongside. Guglielmo

Martin Castrogiovanni alongside. confident scrum-half.

Martin Castrogiovanni alongside. Lovotti, the loosehead prop, takes

it in. It just goes to show, once one of your playmakers and somebody

has got their hands on the ball for one of your playmakers and somebody

most of the game, if they take it out of play, Italy losing a bit of

direction and cohesion. Before the scrum, let's move back to just

before that Welsh try. The Italians are running on. Just watch. They are

clearly offside. Lily, clearly. So, you know, that has to be an Italian

penalty. I think the scrum-half makes the most of it, really. They

are up against it anyway, so that is a poor refereeing decision by the

assistant. Clearly offside. A Wales ball, and Wales have a free kick for

an early engagement by Martin Castrogiovanni. He is the man

singled out by the referee. A good kick. Don't see it often. Played 40

minutes down the pitch. In seeding a penalty inside the opposition 22,

normally you are going 20 metres to recover your line-up. -- conceding a

penalty. An Italian ball. Commentator's occurs. We said he was

having a good game and then he blows it.

Guglielmo Palazzani has taken his chance well. You do feel for them.

The amount of injuries they have had, very, very difficult. You need

consistency. It is a very tough competition. Turnover of players.

Connor O Shea is leading the contenders to take over the Italian

job, but it isn't confirmed. From that little spill forward by

Guglielmo Palazzani, a Welsh ball. The scrum so far a little bit messy.

Samsung Lee on the right-hand side, he needs to try and get that

pressure directed straight onto the Booker. If they can get the right

shoulder, it is ideal -- straight onto the hooker. Taken straightaway

by Rhys Webb. From that free kick, the tackle made shore. Jonathan

Davies creating a bit of pace. He must have almost overrun Biggar in

there to try and free it. It is lost. Italy, from their own 22.

Straight down the middle. He had a chance there. So Biggar instead. Up

on Guglielmo Palazzani. Dan Biggar again, wonderful in the air. And to

chart it had to be made by Francesco Minto. And of his own man. To the

edge of the 22, Baldwin playing scrum-half. George north still

feeling that is Wales move it wide, and a chance for Jamie Robba 's to

use his strength. -- Jamie Roberts. Better passage of play from both

sides. North still struggling. Wales attack with 14 men. He is stripped

of the ball. Away to Davide Giazzon. A bit uncertain of himself. Back it

comes to Alan. And again, straight down the middle. And Amos.

Trying to take the ball a bit closer to the defenders there. That is a

bit too far. Allen able to take it reasonably easy. Italy salvaging the

situation. The penalty goes to Wales. Now Lee Williams is down,

looking a bit groggy. Some hard hitting going in early on. I'm not

sure which one it was, was it Francesco Minto on George North? He

is a great tackler. When you throw those long balls, you are inviting

it to happen. On the blindside, a rib tickling. He gets the ball away

but he has knocked the wind out of him. Francesco Minto has made a lots

of tackles. He is quite a force. You can cover the back row as well. It

is a decision to make, when you are outnumbered, to cut people off. If

you get man and ball together, it cuts all the momentum from the

attack. Wales had an early try at you really have to respect your

opponents and build a lead first of all. 14 minutes gone, ten points

clear. You've got to score twice. You have to build a score, keep this

Paul Burke -- keep the scoreboard ticking over.

A beautiful kick by Dan Biggar. And ten points for Wales now. The

scoring is slowed down after that earlier Rhys Webb tried, a sensible

thing to do, getting up into double figures.

Tommaso Allan going for the restart. It is a good back row, the Italians

have. Perhaps some frailties elsewhere in the side. Today he is

on his own. I'm not sure what he was looking to do there. Back he comes

to Davies. The full-back waiting, David Odiete. Plenty of space to run

into. Eventually, he ran only in to Davies. Still there, just, for

Wales. There is Leonardo Sarto. And Biggar has... I think the Italians

have to keep the ball there. They are on the attack. After Leonardo

Sarto get the ball, they have to come inside or try something on the

float will just keep it and go through the phases. They have to

start all over again now. I think somebody is seriously

injured. As soon as the ball went away from the line-out, one of the

Italian players I'm not sure which one, they just said, something is

up. I think he fell awkwardly on the back of that line-out. Just watch

him, goes for the steel. He comes down. He just falls awkwardly, just

loses his... There we are. He gets tipped over and comes down on his

shoulder. Valerio Bernabo was right there and

said it didn't look too good. Sam Overton is here. He is somewhere out

there watching. Concussion for war against England. -- concussion for

Warburton against England. doesn't look good for Justin

Tipuric, the understudy to Warburton. It is going to be a head

injury assessment. Maximum of ten minutes to assess the injury to

Justin Tipuric. He might come back on, but he has to go off now and

have that assessed. I think he will be all right. Just needs to get it

checked. Ross Murray coming off the bench. He is motivated, in form at

the moment. The last outing against Italy, he performed really well.

Some big line breaks and he was really involved in the game. There

is Moriarty. He plays for Gloucester. Just to break, of. --

Justin Tipuric is off. He is a different sort of player. Tipuric is

a classic player, but Ross Moriarty is a hard working, non-nonsense

player. is a hard working, non-nonsense

On the back of a solid front five, he could carry the ball very well.

The Wales scrum at he could carry the ball very well.

crumbles. Dan Biggar sends it to be and the Italian player.

Italy are in bother again. Wales have a five metre scrum. It is a

very good kick. But David Odiete either has to let it go in touch or

just roll it in. They are under huge pressure, the scrum is under

pressure. It is. That last scrum on the right hand side of Samson Lee,

it went straight in across temporary -- David Odiete. Five metres from

their scrum, Welsh ball in. I think this ball isn't going to move past

their feet. If Wales get the shaft on here and the scrum goes down, as

the last one did, the referee will be more inclined to give the penalty

to Wales. Down it goes on that side. The first penalty, taken quickly by

Rhys Webb. Advantage to Wales. Your opinion on that scrum? And a huge

amount of pressure. He can't long blind because it exposes his chest.

Samson Lee is on the right. I think it is very difficult, when

somebody runs into you. Rhys Webb is lethal on the quick tap. Go for that

ball, go for that line. And then, for that early tackle on Rhys Webb,

who was trying to make his way to the line, an Italian player is off.

Italy down to 14 men without their scrum-half. They are a man short.

Here is Rhys Webb, and Biggar. I think Allen has taken a bump. They

are back on their feet. Wales have to come from a bit deeper now. Great

line speed by Italy so far. A man down. A quick yellow card. Carried

in by the forwards again. Played back by Moriarty. Let it goes,

Williams is there. Great covering defence. But the advantage was being

played back. Dan Biggar calling for the ball quickly. The try is on.

Nobody is out wide. Leonardo Sarto is supremely committed on defence

today. Villa it is a great defence. This has to be a scrum, doesn't it?

It is a great defence. I can't believe they are going for three

points. When they last... When they have a man advantage, their scrum is

absolutely dominating, that is a bizarre decision. Speechless. I

This could be interesting. Listen to would say, look, hang on a minute...

This could be interesting. Listen to this.

REFEREE: We work together to set a good game, right? Keep your role and

let me do my role. That is enough. If I am fed up by the guys who are

talking to me, I am the only one to say that, OK? OK? Thank you.

He isn't happy with that. What was the point of that? Sergio is saying,

what was the point of that now then? Just wasted a minute of my life. An

extra man. The scrum-half is off. As a back, I would be saying, I want a

scrum here. You are so vulnerable around the ruck, because you are one

man short in the defensive line. If somebody is coming up, the second

line is short as well. Italy will be delighted to have yielded only three

points. Rhys Webb sends it high himself.

George North takes it beautifully. Wales making good ground again.

Straight through on the scrum-half. Bradley Davies and Baldwin.

Davies had to get rid of it quickly. Into touch it goes, Hind Amos. Italy

right up with this game, as far as the confrontation battle goes.

Francesco Minto there. Straight, really hot at the base of the scrum.

George North, supreme in the air. The aerial skills of the Welsh backs

are to be admired. There is nothing which lands on the deck which isn't

covered by them. A chance now for Wales to come again. Moriarty, on

the field for Justin Tipuric. He is still being assessed but I am not

sure he will come back on. North, a little clap of the hands in

frustration. Good defence from Italy, using the touchline to

shuffle them across. Liam Williams, outpaced, and David Odiete comes in

and puts him to ground nicely. Look at this, this is the play. Look how

deep they are. They are so deep, you've got to come and angle inside

shoulder. It goes wrong for Italy at the line-out.

We understand that Justin Tipuric isn't going to come back on after

his injury assessment, so Moriarty is on permanently. An early,

enforced replacement, with Ross Moriarty on for Justin Tipuric in

the back row. There is the captain, Dan Lydiate.

And on to Evans, who has been a good loosehead prop for Wales. Moriarty,

Martin Castrogiovanni and Francesco Minto both took him. Wales

off-loading nicely. A little forward pass. So back they come. Dan Biggar

had to get rid of that hot potato because he was being lined up with

his arms stretched high above his head.

The past you don't want to receive. Italy, defensively, as soon as Dan

Biggar stretched his arms up there... Wales looking to move that

ball into space and looking for the off-load. It wasn't far, because

they were coming from in front. off-load. It wasn't far, because

pass wasn't forward, but what is fair is fair. They are down to three

minutes 46 on the scene binning of Guglielmo Palazzani. Italy are doing

OK in this stretch. So in Italy scrum. There is

Guglielmo Palazzani. His top draped casually over his shoulders, the

continental way. David Odiete feeling poorly at scrum time.

Communication is critical. That one early try for Wales.

Penalty to Italy. Decision from the scrum this time. The man penalised,

Robert Evans. So, Italy chew a little more off the

clock sin-binning. They will be quite happy. They are a man short.

They have had most of the play in their own half. They scored an early

try. 25 minutes gone, they've only conceded one try. Wales will be

disappointed with their attacking because, you know, they are not

engaging defenders again. They are running into shoulders. Three

line-outs that Italy have gone wrong, though, and they can't afford

that. And a penalty to Wales now, so the set piece is costing them. It is

the one thing to stop momentum, secure your line-out ball. Three

line-outs lost in situations where they

line-outs lost in situations where if Italy are going to hang on in

this game, they have to get the set piece right. They have to keep the

ball when they have it, go through the phases. If they have to kick,

turn Wales and put them back in V-22. So frustrating to be back on

the edge of your own 22 again. Wales again try and build an attack,

still with a man advantage. Straight through, unnoticed. You've got to go

Rhys Webb has support command left.

Rhys Webb has support command and now Charteris. Wales getting

close to the second try. Moved left and Roberts crashes in, drags in the

defenders. They are calling, crying for it out wide, left. And still

they go right, Wales and Charteris is there and Italy defender.

they go right, Wales and Charteris one out wide, left. And now

they go right, Wales and Charteris left but the Italian defence is

getting ever there. left but the Italian defence is

that is a waste for Wales. That left but the Italian defence is

a massive let off for Italy, completely outnumbered out wide. The

Italian defence in ones and twos. completely outnumbered out wide. The

controlling the back line, which way completely outnumbered out wide. The

they are going to go. If they go left, the ball is too slow and they

have overthrown it. They had two opportunities, there, where they had

to go left and they went right, as if they are set in a pattern. Look

up and look where there is no players and go outside, it is a

simple thing to do. Tomato Alan clears for Italy and George North

was right on his shoulder, just as the long past when out. Italy have

managed the Welsh pressure well with Palazzani off. That is the clock

counted down for him to come back on now. Italy back to 15. Bears the

unnecessary chat when a Simbine player comes back on, perhaps a

higher sin-bin. It was certainly a penalty but it came quite quickly.

Italy have only conceded three points in that time. Wales are still

with the attack. Through the middle and now want to Roberts, and Dan

Biggar is in and Wales have their second try now! Dan Biggar, very,

very simple, when it came. And the Italian defence was cut apart by two

men, Roberts and Dan Biggar. Just watch, they go wide, Sergio Parisse

has got to make the tackle on Dan Biggar. He does not get there. It is

an easy give and take. Just watch. It is not Sergio, sorry, I think it

is the hooker, Giazzon has got to make the tackle. I don't understand

why he was defending, there is, well, the scrum-half is off, isn't

he? He's got to go there and he does not get to him, the hooker is in the

scrum-half position and he is too slow. Ideally, coming off the back

of the line-out, they call it the vacuum, you need your fastest men

camming off the tail of the line-out to make the tackle in the channel.

-- coming off the tail. He's excited! Italy go back to 15 men and

concede a try. Dan Biggar, who scored that charge down try against

England, has won now against Italy and Wales are leading 20-0. -- has

one now. Wales try to set up camp in the Italian half, Fala tower again,

carbon copy of the last restart and it goes back to Dan Biggar and

Odiete fields. Allan. Chasing it down himself, but Williams able to

take it and then get involved in that tussle with tomato Alan. --

Tomaso Alan. Evans. Loose to Sarto. The winger is heading to Glasgow in

the summer. Carried in by Francesco Minto. Zanni. Nearing 100 caps, now,

the flanker. Palazzani, giving it to Garcia. He just manages to keep it

alive as he was heaved into touch, Castrogiovanni dips his shoulder and

has a good challenge with Samson Lee. Geldenhuys.

Italy going through a good few faces for the first time and then Garcia

sent through the grubber kick and Williams. Taken down well by

Bellini, who has not had too much to do in a match so far. Skipping

nicely away from Williams but then into Samson Lee.

Carried in by Bernabo. And Palazzani. Just a fraction too long

and Amos... Scribed by Giazzon. -- scribing tackle. Now a chance for

Wales as Jonathan Davies has Roberts outside of him, to George North now,

tearing down the wing and inside it goes to Dan Biggar, to Jonathan

Davies and he is free! Sergio Parisse trying to get to him but

Jonathan Davies will score! Davies get the touchdown. So many pairs of

hands, it went from one end of the field to the other and Wales with

their third try and a glorious thing it was. And again, this comes from,

you know, they lose possession and give it away, acceleration down the

side, inside the port and it is just good give and take with good support

play. -- inside support. Italy run out of defenders. Way too much width

to handle. As soon as he got to the ball, there were still four or five

Italian players in the Welsh half, excellent counterattack, working

with width, precision and lots of inside run as an option is to score

the try. Dan Biggar with another simple kick through the posts and

Wales are 27-0 in front and suddenly they are racing away. 25 minutes

gone, they were happy with one try conceded and now they have conceded

another two. As we watch the replay, you can see

on the far side, the winger, Bellini is going off for Italy as well. I

would imagine Luke McLean will be coming on. Yes, there he is on the

far side. There is Bellini, being carted off and Luke McLean will come

on for his 79th cap. He has become a bit of a utility back. He is

normally a full-back but he can fill in in most places. He comes on now

with 33 minutes gone and 27-0 down. Fowler tower again, the same restart

and just a few first tackles being missed Italy now. -- valet out --

Toby Faletau again. Rhys Webb scooping it high. Not foreign.

Sergio Parisse comes forward to take it. -- far enough. Allan. Maclean.

Giving it to Bernabo. Castrogiovanni. Not quite the force

he was, five years ago. And Tomaso Alan. Gonzalo Garcia,

now. -- Tomaso Alan. Bernabo, once more.

Again, moving through the phases. But do they have the cutting

Again, moving through the phases. the end, they live or short pass

from Allan to Pratichetti. -- a little short pass. Francesco Minto.

Italy, trying to get it back as Davies goes over. And a penalty,

quickly taken by Palazzani, now with Sarto outside him and a great hit

coming in as Liam Williams... And a counter ruck, he has turned it over,

I think, great tackle and a counter rock. The ball is therefore Wales.

-- counter ruck. WHISTLE

So, it ends with a scrum for Wales, into the final five minutes in this

first half. And Italy with some good fluency in attack, there but great

difference from Wales in the end. Yeah, they just have to keep it...

difference from Wales in the end. No mistakes. They are under pressure

in every area of the game so when they have got the ball, I know it is

very difficult, they have to catch and drive and catch and drive but

that is where their best chance is, really, to limit the score. Another

man off, Pratichetti is heading off, so it is all going horribly wrong

for Italy at the moment. This is how Bellini injured himself. Turning his

ankle before he took the hit from Samson Lee. I think he did that

himself, didn't he? And then Andrea Pratichetti, the latest to go off,

making his first start in four years. Already running out of

options. Kelly Haimona will come on. He looks interested, doesn't he,

coming on? Really interested, there he is, walking on to inside centre!

More often he is a fly half but he will settle into the centre.

They have lost a bit of pace, there, Pratichetti a bit quicker than Kelly

Haimona but he is a big man. So, Wales ball, inside their own 22.

The ball is just sitting there. WHISTLE

Italy get the penalty. That was the decision from Sergio

Parisse into touch it will go. Well done, Italy. They know they are not

going to win this game by kicking penalties, so why not? So, the

Italian forwards go into a huddle to discuss this, nearing the end of the

first half. It has pretty much gone according to predictions. Yes, they

have been patient, taken opportunities. I felt, you know,

there's a few other opportunities gone missing for Wales. The Italian

line-out, this time, it is the short, safe option, Zanni takes it,

a little peel around of Sergio Parisse. A front peel but he is held

up and he will be disappointed with that. Wales have the scrum. The

thing about Italian side as well, in past seasons, when often they have

lost but in those games, more often than not, they have gone at least 60

minutes being in touch and being very competitive but this is quite

worrying for Italy. I think there's very competitive but this is quite

a lot of injuries, 1719 players, it is now. As Keith said at the

a lot of injuries, 1719 players, it based the game on the forward

a lot of injuries, 1719 players, it they have had to develop more of a

15 man game and it has not they have had to develop more of a

They don't have the quality of player at nine and ten and maybe the

back three to do that. They have to try come in games like this and last

week, that is all they have to do is get their basic set piece right and

the tackling right to be still in get their basic set piece right and

the game. Unfortunately, tired bodies, you know, they are falling

Poite have to say to the captains. Something about this is getting a

bit tedious, still it steady. REFEREE: We have played two scrums

with ball out only, it is not enough. The players must be more

disciplined than the time enough. The players must be more

spent in the first half. We need to improve,

spent in the first half. We need to simple, I don't know why he is

talking to the captains, he just has to tell the front rows, any messing

about, lads, yellow card, thank you very much, get on with it. Easy job!

Let's look at some of the injuries Italy have. Ghiraldini, Edoardo

Gori, Campagnaro, Josh Furno, Fuser, Biaggi, Cittadini, it goes on and

on. It is a bit like Wales in the World Cup but Italy don't have the

depth to cope with it. Webb feeds and a decent shot from Italy. Valet

out. -- Faletau. Great play by Faletau again, the pace, to get from

where the scrum was to where he ended up. It makes the kick so much

easier for Dan Biggar. A good kick as well but quickly taken. Luke

McLean. Garcia. Trying to edge his way past Jonathan Davies.

McLean. Garcia. Trying to edge his Mak row onto Leonardo Sarto. --

Allan onto Leonardo Sarto. Advantage Italy as well. Palazzani with this

free attack for Italy. And Luke McLean and it is built they will

come back for the penalty. They will go to the corner. It is pointless,

kicking for goal, 27-0 down, go for the corner. Tommaso Allan will do

just that. His uncle John, I think was a player for South Africa and

Scotland in the days when you could do both. Slow down the ball. There

is geared is on -- Giazzon, as the clock goes round for the final

passage of play in this first half. Just a bit of a harsh around the

stadium now, and that will do for the end of the first half and Wales

have controlled it and they are surely heading for victory. They

have built a good lead. They have been patient and scored some great

tries. They've missed a couple of opportunities as well but it is a

no-win situation for Wales today. I would expect them to put 50 on them

so they just Avdukic the scoreboard ticking over and try to develop the

attacking game. I think that is the key, developed the attacking game,

looking forward to New Zealand in the summer. They lead by three tries

to nil and 27-0. JASON MOHAMMAD: SENTENCE MACRO WALES

HAVE WON NINE MATCHES IN A ROW AGAINST ITALY SINCE 2007. IN

-- Wales have won nine matches in a roasted Italy since 2007. When you

look at the stats, now, trust me, it is not going to end 27-27. Carlo, at

one stage, I wondered where the want to come back and talk about this

because Italy are all over the place. I know, it's not good,

half-time, 27-0, I was hoping that would be the final score something

but Wales are an containable. Every time there was a moment of trying to

stop the Welsh momentum and regain possession, they lost the line-out

and Wales counter-attacked, missed a few tackles as well and then you are

back under pressure. One thing to sour which prided their commitment

to the tackle and their commitment to the defence. Your pre-match

prediction, Keith, of 70 point is not off the mark. Not too far off,

Wales could have scored another couple of tries, to be honest. They

were throwing the ball around like the Harlem globetrotter is one

stage. A bit of control would not go amiss and at times, they were a bit

frantic and it was far closer until 15 minutes to go and then suddenly,

they just put on the afterburners and Italy could not hold them. Great

to see Reece Wabara after the awful injury against Italy and a good

start? Yes, we spoke about how poorly they started last week and

this week, at home, you expected them to come out with a bang at home

and they did. This is the tried and trusted. Jamie

Roberts, scrum-half on the front foot, straightaway. It is worth

pointing out, like Jonathan 's leading commentary, aged have been

an Italian penalty. How do you miss that? Really poor officiating.

England need all -- Italy need all the help they can get. It is sloppy

and it should have been a penalty. But then Reece Webb-Foster what he

does best. Italy are in a good position, here, well set up and they

have the numbers but I think Webb uses the referee very cute to Lee, a

slight block in front of Sarto but he should still make the tackle but

Webb has a very strong upper body and is very explosive and a great

try, and gets Wales after the perfect start. He gives Wales an

extra edge in attack, Reece Webb-Foster he does, very sharp at

the back, very powerful, actually. Talking about smarts, we were always

taught to do that, the referee often gets in the wrong place so let's use

it to the best advantage. Go behind his back in many respects. But it

was very quick and exactly what Wales needed. They have started

poorly in the last couple of games. We did not get back up to the studio

in time to see the try. We did our best! They did everything they

wanted to do and they put down a marker. I found it baffling this

week with lots of Wales fans suggesting Rhys Priestland should

start. It was not long ago that Neil Jenkins said that Dan Biggar was a

world-class fly half and you are getting people saying, maybe Rhys

Priestland should start? It is a fickle world, isn't it? Dan Biggar

has been immense for the last 18 months and Rhys Priestland played

well in the last 20 minutes last week but Dan Biggar has been key to

everything that is good about this Welsh team over the last 18 months.

This has become his trademark from outside-half, this is unheard of,

perfectly weighted kick, very brave, and the ability to off-load as well.

This is the second try. For some reason, Keith is not happy with this

but the hooker should never be there, trust me, as an openside,

it's difficult enough as it is. Great flat ball by Rhys Webb, Dan

Biggar is on at pace and a great run by Roberts as well. It's ridiculous,

people questioning whether Dan Biggar should start. You have to be

very fast! He said he could have got there! I would have made that! I'm

laughing but we are talking about Dan Biggar and Rhys Priestland and

I'm looking at it like who would I rather play against? I would rather

play Priestland. I think Dan Biggar is a class act. He's been the form

fly half in the Pro12 and for a lot of the Six Nations. He's mature wood

into a fine player. For me, that try is something a ten would pick on in

his analysis leading up to the game, if you know they have a hooker at

half-backs and that space between the end of the line-out and the

first ten channel is so critical and when you have two massive wingers

who can attack that space as well, someone who gets the ball quick off

the top, no pressure whatsoever, inside shoulder and you are beating

a forward, definitely a mismatch. You picked out a key moment in the

Jonathan Davies try because the crowd loved it, it looks like

exhibition rugby to them. Wales can only play what is in front of them

but they spilled the ball and look at how slow the Italian kick chases.

They have left Tommaso Allan 45 seconds on own. It is well finished

off but a poor defence at the end of it with two men going forward. Wales

get criticised for their attacking play but this was brilliant

counterattacking. Look at Italy, though, poor old Sergio Parisse

attracting back again, though, poor old Sergio Parisse

make the tackle. You can see by his body language, everything, here he

is again, it is so hapless. You might be able to expand why they are

disjointed, Carlo, no chase, it seems. Great inside balls and what I

like from Wales he is something they have not done, passing the full

contact, so often we see the Welsh players go into contact and then try

to pass but they have shown what they can do in open spaces. It was a

possession stats earlier, if you have that much time in possession,

the opposition is fatigue and stressed under defence. Any ball in

the counterattack, any loose runners, defences are loose as well,

and these are some of the world's most lethal strike runners. In that

space, they will exploit it every time. We so often talk about Sergio

Parisse like a statesman of Italian rugby and yet he cuts an isolated

figure out there. Yes, he looks dejected. He was disconsolate last

week. He was down on the ground. He was quite edgy in the post match

interview. He was at the referee for the whole 80 minutes last week. He

started the exact same today, having a go at Romain Poite, and the

referee is just saying, "Go away, I don't need you to tell me how to

referee the game". The shape of him is dejected. He looks as if, "God, I

would rather be on a winning team". If ever there was a player who

deserved to be on a winning team, it's him. He's great to the field

for the last ten years, been magnificent but it has been

heartbreaking for him for the last few weeks. We picked out Palazzani

before we came on air as well and we are looking at the yellow card.

Let's take a closer look. Was unlucky? That quick ball, you know

that he is lethal on the quick ball. He's got to tackle him otherwise it

is a short right. Leaving it to the referee to make the decision

eventually, he is taking a gamble, the whole time he is looking at the

ref, is he going to get called? Romain Poite had no hesitation.

Probably being a bit too sympathetic, Romain Poite could have

given him the benefit of the doubt but by the law, it is the yellow

card. It is whether Rhys Webb was right behind the scrum when he took

it. I'm not sure. But that is the pressure Wales are putting them

under from the outset. It has led to that outcome. They did well when

they were down to 14, held Wales up but as soon as they were back to 15,

they conceded the Dan Biggar try. It is a long Segunda. It's amazing how

the psychology can go, 14 people, you are in the trench together and

everyone has to work but the 15 comes back on and you realise you

have weathered the storm and that is when you drop your concentration and

suddenly, when you drop your concentration and

Warren Gatland using the bench? I think so and looking at the players

they have got to bring on, Ken Owens was fantastic off the bench and

Priestland as well, was fantastic off the bench and

and Moriarty is already on. I think, 50, 55 minutes, used the changes.

The last 20 minutes in the last few games, Wales have scored four tries.

It's the acceleration at the end that puts teams away. They came back

against England with it and I think Italy are in serious trouble if they

don't get their hands on the ball. And when you talk about the Wales

bench and then you talk about the Italy bench, a very callow faced

bench with very few caps. Italy bench, a very callow faced

cannot win the Six Nations championship, of course, but one

thing they did win last night was the Grand Slam, yesterday, in the

under 20s. Carlo was there in Colwyn Bay Lasse Vibe, Joe Thomas going

over in a 35-6 win, the first time they have ever won the Grand Slam, a

great win but a slow start. That pass from the Welsh full-back, he

did everything textbook, running on inside shoulders, giving the past,

ten metres out to his right side. The Welsh squad are humble guys and

I was really addressed with the whole setup and the team. Italy did

fantastic, well in the first half, they contained and manage their well

but they came out, the coach had a few words with them in the changing

room and they dominated the scrum upfront and then had the run of the

place in the second half. This was just before the match started at the

Millennium Stadium, Principality Stadium, rather, they got a

fantastic welcome and grated easement. Great credit to the way

they've played the game, they've used a lot of players because they

have had to go back to regions all the time. The future is bright.

Incredible that they were all wearing jeans and track suit tops,

there. You thought they should be in suits. They have done so well. Let

them celebrate. And their anthem is meal diamond's Sweet Caroline. Great

performance. By Neil Diamond? The blue yes. Thank you. This evening,

attention switches to the Stade de France in Paris where England and

Eddie Jones have done a remarkable job, magnificent achievement in

becoming the champions. Tonight, they have a chance to become Grand

Slam champions. Wales are storming to the title! It

is turning into a rout! Heavy defeat to Wales in 2013 when the Grand Slam

was at stake is the most recent example of England falling at the

final hurdle. What was the painful lesson? Generally, there was an

underestimation of the task at hand. The fact you going with a chance to

win a Grand Slam, you think everything is going well. But to win

the last game, you have to improve again. The message has been this

week, we have to keep improving because if we don't, we are going to

repeat history, not create new history. You have to remember, this

is a New England side now. A new way of thinking about the game. A new

tactical flexibility. We are probably the fittest side since

2003. What has really impressed me as the positivity of the group. You

have young men who all want to get better and they are all desperate to

do well for England. That is a great thing. Our opportunities are really

well for the game and to make sure the first 20 minutes, we put

ourselves in a winning position. If we do that, we have a great chance

to win a Grand Slam. Eddie Jones described it as a magnificent

achievement and let's find out what Jonathan Davies in the commentary

box thinks of Eddie Jones' comments this week. Was it a magnificent

achievement, Jonathan Kodjia Mark I think they are going for it. They

deserve to be going to the Grand Slam. I think they have matured.

They have improved from the World Cup. Defensively, they are solid. I

like the way they play their attack. I think Ben Youngs was special last

week. And the way they varied the slow ball, they truck it up and they

try to feed quick ball in and they do create it and then George Ford

steps in. They have not really shone in the previous games but last week,

the first 20 minutes was impressive. It will be a shock if they lose to

France tonight, I think. They are quite clearly favourites. Again,

that is all we say, what France turns up and I have not seen France,

if they did turn up, I don't think they are capable of beating England

tonight. Absolutely, banks, Jonathan. When you look at the squad

that Eddie Jones has assembled in a very short space of time from the

wreckage of the Rugby World Cup, do you see it as a squad, Keith, that

can dominate the Six Nations, possibly autumn internationals, the

tour down under to New Zealand and South Africa? I think it's too early

to save the stuff they have been very pragmatic and on the simple

things very well. They have sparked and they have real gas. But they are

not making the mistakes they were making last year. It is amazing, the

error rate has gone down quite heavily. That is great potential. I

have to qualify this next statement, coming from a bitter Welshman, not

in any way, shape or form but was it a good jumping ship for England to

win because Ireland have been poor, Wales have been a bit disjointed,

Italy have been woeful and as Jonathan says, probably one of the

worst French sides we have seen in our generation. If Wales were

winning, you don't care. It's all you can do, like today, beat what is

in front of you. England have been by far the best team in the

tournament, no doubt about that and if they go on to win the Grand Slam,

they will deserve it, no doubt about that. Absolutely right, Jonathan was

trying his best to conceal his utter joy of England winning the

championship and maybe a Grand Slam! England have played really well and

they have done the job and done it efficiently. They have been better

than everyone else. That is the point, isn't it? You have to beat

what is in front of you and if you win a jab Egypt, it does not matter

what the others do. And they've done it with a balanced team, gone back

to what England do well. If we analyse them leading up to their

matches, they have a power game and they mash you upright and then clear

out the spaces out wide and they have strike runners to do that. --

upfront. They did not have it last year but they are moving it back --

moving back to it and it is making them dangerous. Coverage starts at

seven 20p on BBC One. It will be a tough second half for Italy and they

are tired. They are tired already and Wales just have to keep their

concentration and skill level and intensity up and I think he's

prediction won't be far off. A cricket score. Thank you for joining

us. Back to the commentators. If you have confidence in your own

ability, if there's a relegation game or a play-off game, you have to

go with it. It's worth pointing out that in the last 15 years, Scotland,

Wales, France would all have been facing a relegation match. It takes

a long time to settle in. Someone told me that France took decades to

come and compete in the Six Nations, the Five Nations then. It's a

changing world. Carried in by Andrea Lovotti. At half-time Italy had that

huge list of injuries that would cripple many sites.

I understand why they kicked the ball away.

Jonathan Davies up to the ten metre line. Straight into the gap goes

Moriarty. That is taken down. Good covering. Still with Wales. Baldwin

still going. Wales immediately on the front foot again. Deeper it goes

now, to Williams. Biggar gets it to Roberts. Roberts

almost away. Haimona cleaning onto it for dear life. All the Wales

players making their way through one and a half tackles or so.

Wales building the platform again. Eight phases and Biggar gives it up

to Davies. And Biggar again and onto North. Taken down by Gonzalo Garcia.

There is Rob Evans. Still with Wales and Bradley Davies.

And through Dan Biggar. Just slows down again and web summons the heavy

men to fly half position and it goes to Morrie Arty. And there is the

crash, Thunder ball in the middle. Now wide it goes and Biggar had to

be taken, taken well by Palazzani. Still Wales, 15 phases, prodding

away and Still Wales, 15 phases, prodding

they've got to go. Know they are outside for Wales and Biggar is

there. Still Wales come, heading towards 20 phases. Web standing

strong on the challenge. Incomes Biggar and back it goes for

Charteris. And there is Davies again. And a rise of noise inside

the stadium. Are these mounting phases to end in a try?

Wide it goes now. Williams in there. And there is George North. He sets

it away to Jamie Roberts and Roberts it away to Jamie Roberts and Roberts

has scored in the corner. Eventually it came. Patient build-up from

and Jamie Roberts scores at the start of the second half. Great

patience. A lot of slow balls so they just carried

patience. A lot of slow balls so up and then eventually, it's a

lovely ball from George North, who releases Roberts on the outside

it's an easy finish for Jamie Roberts. Width on it. Takes it on,

sucks McLean in. You shouldn't have come inside there. Garcia goes in.

sucks McLean in. You shouldn't have And he just told. There he is,

McLean turns. You've got to have faith in your inside defender but

when you're outnumbered, it's a tough, tough call as a defender.

George North just got outside his defender. Distracted Luke McLean to

make that hit but it's unsustainable. This amount of

pressure, this amount of position, that amount of territory, it's just

not sustainable. Five from 54 Dan Biggar but number six is a difficult

one. So no extra two for Wales but they

are beyond 30 points and a bright start of the second half for the

home side. I think this lad's done exceptionally well. He's been

explosive with the ball. He had great pace to it, carries well.

There's the off-load. Just running on the outside of Garcia and there's

the ball out the back. Italy making changes as well. Castrogiovanni is

off. Might well be his last international for Italy. He is

getting to that point now. Certainly you would think his last Six Nations

game. A great play of Italy he's been over the years but like a few

in the Italian pack, perhaps just beyond his best.

Chistolini is on the front row for Italy. And Wales begin to build a

game. Backwards it goes and then Tommy

Allan is there. Italy now coming and Odiete now still going. Haimona and

Garcia were outside but Garcia with a chance perhaps gone. Wonderful

weaving run from Odiete. He is looking for Garcia now.

Carried on by Jacopo Sarto, the older brother of Leonardo Sarto. A

bit of a screen there. That was a clear obstruction, unfortunately.

There he is. Will we see him here again, good old Castrogiovanni?

Castrogiovanni has been absolutely massive for Italy. Listen to the

applause is getting as the see him on the screen. But as people

recognising a great rugby man. It has been a privilege to be behind

him in my career. He has been one of the best in world rugby. He knows

the world so well. His athleticism around the pitch when he was in

fourth was something to be admired. APPLAUSE

On inside the stadium for Castrogiovanni. He will appreciate

the applause but he knows he's in a struggling side and that's not how

he wants to see out his international career. So a change

being made now for Wales. On comes Gareth Anscombe and he's coming on

for Hallam Amos. Unfortunately for Hallam Amos, he hasn't had the ball

that he would have liked. The ball has gone mainly to George North, so

not as much impact as he would have liked to have had on the game. Yes,

that will have been frustrating for him. Just the kind of game that

wingers will be licking their lips at. Wales line-out. Charteris lays

it back for web and Biggar. Straight through goes north. He's got

volatile inside. What a try from George North! He does it again. Four

games in a row in the Six Nations. Only Shane Williams has managed that

for Wales and now George North has done it.

It could have been any of supporting runners he had alongside him but

George North all the way his own. But just watch the gap here. You

could ride a bus through this. Haimona comes in on a dummy run and

then bass player goes out. That's a brilliant finish. A good dummy run

by Jamie Roberts. Haimona is dragged in and then it's just the finish,

sublime, by this man. That's a man in form. A man in form and running

with conviction. That format he's in at the moment is just completely

convincing. He's got a lot to do but it comes off his left foot and then

he just accelerates but the work was done by a great dummy run by Jamie

Roberts. Haimona took the easy option, really. He didn't need to go

in metal stop there was too many options. The inside defenders could

have coped with that kind of pressure. 25 tries for George North

now and this is 60th cap. But it goes from Biggar. Ken Owens

is an as hooker for Wales as Garcia comes away with the ball.

Carried in by Oliviero Fabiani, replacement hooker for Italy.

Haimona, a nice little pass inside and a great run from Sarto and Sarto

gets support from his older brother Yacob O Sarto. -- Jacopo Sarto. A

great break by Italy and the Sarto brothers in tandem, carried in by

Fabiani. Italy threatening, the Wales defence being tested but it

hit coming in. So scrum advantage to Italy and Maclean has to skip his

way around Fallon et al and Davies. --

Italy are coming that with a penalty advantage. So close to a great try.

I think they missed the biggest opportunity. They cut through a nice

clean break, players in support. Should have finished it. In support

is one of Italy's unsung heroes. He gets through a massive amount of

work and having expressed all his energy in the tight phases, he's

running that support. A lovely inside ball. I do like Sarto. He's a

very deceptive runner but creates the opportunity, plenty of support

players there. Missed opportunity. It would have been a moment for the

Sarto family, Jacob O Sarto on his debut, Leonardo a fixture in the

team. Parisse is there. Wales pretty

steady in defence. Nudging forwards. Just creeping, the feed began to

move in those multicoloured boots and Italy beginning to move towards

that line. Garcia comes in as well and the try is there for Italy. And

the man with his hands on the ball is Palazzani. Garcia was adding his

weight. I'm not sure - did he get a touchdown? It might have been

Palazzani, the scrum-half. I think it is Palazzani. He was digging for

that ball. The ball was at the back of them all. I think that line

coming up... I think he scored a well-deserved try. He's played

really well in the last two games. Scrum-half on the back of

hard-working forwards. Well, he actually scored against Wales in the

World Cup warm up game, Palazzani, and this is his second try for

Italy. So Kelly Haimona, to try and add the

extra two points. Beautiful kick from Kelly Haimona.

Seven points for Italy. Something to cling to.

Kelly Haimona converted a well-deserved try from Guglielmo

Palazzani. Ecstatic. He's happy. well-deserved try from Guglielmo

its Haimona Fielding at the restart. And back it goes to Tommaso Allan. ,

so Alan has had a really good game. He's been solid in defence. For

somebody who hasn't played a test match this whole Six Nations, he's

coming under pressure and I think he's dealt with it really well, this

afternoon. So Ken Owens, a man under pressure. And

afternoon. So Ken Owens, a man under stung by that. Ken Owens made an

impact last week. I thought he carried the ball very well. A loop

around by Rhys Webb and it opens things up. Davies has to get the

ball away sharply with Sarto in the and Liam Williams... Still there for

Carried by an with strength. inside Charteris.

Carried by an with strength. play like a second 58. Well

Carried by an with strength. on by Gethin Jenkins, who is on for

cap number 123. Still going through goes North, look at him against

Palazzani. So Wales into the 22 and Biggar...

Roberts flicks it onto Liam Williams. Liam Williams with a try.

Wales score again. And Liam Williams with a fine finish. And Wales move

beyond 40 points. That's a lovely ball. Again, its patients, going

through the phases, waiting for the opportunity, and then they've got

the numbers on the left-hand side and it's a correct pass. This is the

final ball, I think. Garcia has come up, Odiete has come up, but they are

man short, so it's a very good finish by Williams. There is the

money ball. Flicks it on. Very difficult to stop that. They were

man down because Italy have an injury but still a good finisher and

Liam Williams. Last scored against Italy in this fixture last year and

he's done it again. That's going to be the end as we

watch the conversion. Visit Francesco Minto? He is heading off

Dan Biggar. He readies Francesco Minto? He is heading off

the conversion. It's coming round. Oh, hello. Running into the post,

always comical. I'd quite like to see a replay of that! Can we see a

replay of the touch judge running into the post? Here is the off-load.

Early tackle but he keeps hold of the ball. And then he just recycles

and goes and there's the finish. We will spare the blushes of Marius

van der Westhuizen. What a spill by George North. So the ball for Italy.

There is Fabiani. Ad vantage to Italy. Maclean gives

it onto Fabiani. All a bit loose but still their advantage. Ken Owens

penalised. So we'll have that penalty now. They go for the touch

again. They have to go to the touchline. It's that time of the

game where you got to try everything. You peel off the front,

peel off the back. Just something that keeps the momentum moving

forward but the body language of the Italians at the moment, they are

really struggling. Just the remainder of the changes you will

have seen in the graphics. Jarvis is on in the front row six. Lee is off.

This is how the team started, the Welsh team, and now all the

changes... Rhys Priestland on at fly half and Jake Ball on in the second

row. Interesting to see how Priestland and Anscombe work

together. He's a different full-back. There's the Italian team

with the changes. Italy looking for a second try here.

Abramovich stain is also on, the South African born runner. --

Abraham Steyn. Fabiani, the replacement hooker, gets his hands

on it. He's looking for that energy and

speed. Wales set the defence again as Parisse mulls a few things over.

Abraham Steyn coming on for the injured Francesco Minto. Palazzani

will now and the chance once more for Italy. Garcia for the try. A

beautiful off-load in the tackle and they claim a second try. A well

worked try through patient phases, maintaining positions, using your

big forwards, being direct in midfield and Reece Burke about Tommy

Alan and how he's played well this week. -- we spoke about Tommaso

Allan. A well worked try and well-deserved. It's not something

that they're lying downfall. They're looking to take this game. They are

being positive with everything they're doing. It's a

being positive with everything Tommaso Allan just sees a dog-leg

defence, pushes through the gap and gets his arm through the tackle.

That's a lovely off-load and there's good support and a good finish.

Gonzalo Garcia has had a massive contribution in Italy's backline

this Six Nations. He puts his body on the line and is supremely

committed all the time and is one of the unsung heroes in this backline.

He has just got a knee injury which is heavily strapped. He's getting a

bit of treatment as Kelly Haimona lines up for the conversion attempt.

Another good one from tries and 27 point tries for Italy.

-- two seven point tries. Wales making a change. Gareth A Davies is

coming on for Rhys Webb. Carried in by Geldenhuys. Debate it

goes to to Masoe Alan -- Tommaso Allan. Not quite able to field it.

Clever play from Italy, staying inside the 22, which allows them to

kick directly into touch. He's cleared 45 metres with that kick.

Nicely knocked back by Jake Ball. Williams chasing it down. Luke

McLean should get there for Italy and he's just taken into touch by

Williams. Good play again. Always the option of a left foot kicked by

Jonathan Davies. Nothing really McLean could do. More

changes happening. The hairy fellow coming on is Alberto Lucchese. And

we remind you a game that later on, 7:20pm, BBC One, France against

England, England going for the Grand Slam. Owens finds Jake Ball. And

Wales begin the march. Great play and a lovely try and it comes to

Mariana two. Ross Moriarty is the man who gets over for another try

for Wales. They moved past 50. That's very tight defence. It was

just so easy. Nobody made a tackle, they broke free. It's deflecting the

pressure to the front. Luke Daisy Waugh is trying to come in and stop

them. -- Lucchese was trying to come in and stop them. It's so

controlled, so cohesive. You've got players in front of the ball, which

is extremely difficult to stop, and the momentum just carrying all the

way forward. A well-deserved try for Ross Moriarty. Propelling him

towards the line. seven tries for Wales today. It is

Rhys Priestland to try and add the extra two points.

It's coming around well. Slightly different styles about Biggar but

beautifully struck by Rhys Priestland. Still 14 minutes to go.

It's a long time. They've changed the attack to the front

It's a long time. They've changed line-out. It's a very tired

defensive line by the Italians now. line-out. It's a very tired

A chip down the middle for Parisse but Moriarty was there again.

A chip down the middle for Parisse Priestland flings it out.

A chip down the middle for Parisse dangerous, as Garcia was raising up

there. Garcia has been very good today. He hasn't stopped working

hard. He's stopped a lot of Welsh today. He hasn't stopped working

right-hand side defence. Jarvis is on. Matteo Zanusso is on

right-hand side defence. Jarvis is row for Italy. Jonathan Davies into

Haimona. Gareth Davies, row for Italy. Jonathan Davies into

Charteris. Priestland carried back into the 22. McLean watching it and

takes it. Could have off-loaded to Odiete. Eventually laid-back.

Alberto Lucchese, replacement scrum-half for Italy, but it will be

Parisse. A rather unpleasant past to Sarto. And there is Abraham Steyn,

the number 20 player. And McLean, Odiete.

Carried in now by Zanusso. And onto Fabiani. Advantage to Italy.

Moriarty infringing, not rolling away on the tackle. And Parisse onto

Abraham Steyn and Abraham Steyn, just as he was making his way

through the gap, gives it onto Geldenhuys. And Tommaso Allan,

looking for the off-load to Leonardo Sarto.

He'll come all the way back for the penalty. It's the best phases of

attack Italy have strung together in the whole game and the bravery and

the tenacity to keep the ball in hand, just the ambition to keep the

ball in action, as well. It's got to be welcomed. Haimona will try and

put this into the corner. I think they will be relatively happy with

the performance. Twos tries scored against the Italians, Sean Edward.

I'm not sure how happy they would be if you could see the third.

You can see the carries on the meter is made by both sides. Wales looking

to cement second place in the table which will be of little consolation.

It all really hinged on the game at Twickenham last week. Fabiani,

looking for Zani at the back who gets his hands on it and Parisse,

now, going to Braam Steyn. Steyn Lucchese, giving it to Fabiani. Good

hits on him coming from Gethin Jenkins company and Garcia now.

Italy, hunting Jenkins company and Garcia now.

Lucchese. Into the final ten minutes and Chistolini, a little fumble and

the boys out there for Davies and onto Williams. -- ball is out there.

Davies again, playing scrum-half. Gareth Anscombe and Priestland and

out wide to Roberts and a chance for Wales to attack. Gareth Davies, the

replacement scrum-half to George North, and Tommaso Allan watching

and it calms and the interception had to be made by Parisse. -- it

comes. Lucchese gives it. McLean hacks forward. Tired bodies, chasing

back. Gareth Anscombe and the game is opening up. Parisse is down

injured. Trying to get back into play. Jonathan Davies. On it goes.

Dan Lydiate, the captain. Advantage. It is to Wales. And they have a

penalty. It is all beginning to break-up now and Gareth Davies

carries on and Ben Williams with a spell and a chance for Italy to

counter. Geldenhuys with a rather ungainly hack forward. I think

everyone is relieved the whistle has gone, a lung busting phase of play

and all the Italians and some of the Welsh as well have got their hands

on their heads. It has been back and forth. Bears the break, looking to

give it early and he is away. Brilliant, though, inside ball,

great libraries. I think he just loses his footing. I think it is

editor of to say. -- a little injury. It is as the twists round.

He looks as though he has twisted his ankle. I'm not sure because he's

up on his feet and walking. Massive play from Sergio, his action, hand

speed and controlling the ball is sublime. It was a little nudge in

the back of the head from Jamie Roberts as well. That is what he

might have been feeling as well. Just about ready to go again.

So, a shortened line-out called by Italy and Fabiani, the Zebre hooker.

Parisse, back to Lucchese. Tommaso Allan and Garcia. Jacopo Sarto. He

has done well since he has come on, the elder brother. Spilled by

Geldenhuys. He could not stoop down for that one. It was tired looking.

Very tired looking, isn't it? He knows that. We stay disciplined and

we stay good, even at the scrum. The first one in the second half. That

was wary. You have do look at Jacopo Sarto on the bench and some of the

players that have come on. A lot of the changes and the selections have

been forced through injury but once the players that are injured

comeback, it just broadens your depth and your base for the next

group of selectors to select the team. Far more handling errors by

group of selectors to select the Wales but they have had far more of

the ball to play with. Seven and a half minutes to go. We have not had

too many scrums of late, which has been... Very good! Yes. Roberts. And

then Jonathan Davies. Lucchese preventing the off-load from the

ground. Davies gives it onto Moriarty. He's done well to stay in

there, Moriarty. Jake Ball to Ken Owens. And Davies again. So many

times, Davies has had to really very quickly give the ball away. Braam

Steyn up on him this time. They still have not worked out the blitz

defence yet, Wales, of Italy. Still Wales but deep inside their own half

and there's a little chip over the top from Priestland and how does it

bounce? Odiete claims it. George North emerges with it, though, and

feeds Roberts. Complaint from Roberts and Wales have the

advantage, quickly taken by Davies. But the referee says no. The same.

If you are not, you wait for the mark. He has got his hand on the

ball. He ripped it out. It has been poked into the corner for Wales to

launch another attack. Let's have a look at George North, ten carries,

Wales, successfully working the 116 metres. That is fairly decent.

Wales, successfully working the line-out and Roberts, and Wales

still full of running and muscle. The Italian defence looking more

tired. Back it goes to Jake Ball. Wales again, trying to attack with

some patience. Lydiard. Getting closer and closer and

some patience. Lydiard. Getting there. -- Liddy

Jonathan Davies. Drawing in the defence. Why it goes, through

Priestland and Gareth Anscombe. -- wide it goes. Davies slips it away

and Moriarty carries. Priestland. Gareth Anscombe.

Floating it over the top and so nearly intercepted by Garcia, en

route to George North. Garcia is struggling. Really struggling, he

had cramp through the last phase, he's given everything, I don't think

there's anything left in the tank. This is a good decision, you, a lot

of referees would have said, yellow card and get off but he said, he

went for the ball, he was not deliberate, he went for the

interception so it's a good decision. He's an absolute warhorse

and he needs to hang on for another five and a half minutes. There are

no more backs for Italy to use so he just has to hang on. There was a 41

point victory in Rome last year and it is 31 at the moment -- 39 at the

moment. Wales with a chance to extend that lead, here. Another

advantage to Wales, side entry by Italy. Ken Owens. A very lively

hooker. Priestland, a little pop over the

hooker. Priestland, a little pop claims it but they will be back for

the penalty. Doing very well, Odiete. Man of the match, quickly? I

think Rhys Webb made exceptionally well and so did Jamie Roberts but

Faletau, as ever, just does everything. For me, I think the

standout player for Wales has debate, there he is, my Six Nations,

RBS Six Nations man debate, there he is, my Six Nations,

George North. What do the crowd think of that? CHEERING