Wales v Italy Six Nations Rugby

Weak four of the Six Nations and no

one could accuse Warren Gatland of

being too conservative as he heads

into his 101st game in charge, ten

changes from the team which lost in

Ireland. Bold or brash? One thing

not in question today against Italy

is that Wales will have a lot of

firsts.

Phenomenal.

One handoff, two hands

off.

New hooker for Wales, Elliot

Dee of the Dragons.

Owen Watkin.

Great potential.

The newcomer Gareth

Anscombe sidesteps his way through

the danger.

No such strength in

depth for Italy coach Conor O'Shea,

they make just one injury enforced

change to the starting line-up

beaten by France two weeks ago. It

is now 15 matches without a win, the

worst run of any side in the Six

Nations. Can they rattle this much

changed Welsh team? It's a fairly

mild and dry day, Cardiff Bay in the

distance. You can see the river is

closed on Mothering Sunday which

adds a lot but sometimes to the

atmosphere which is always fantastic

and a bit too temperature as well

which we always appreciate. Martyn

Williams alongside me and resting

Welsh captain Sam Warburton, just as

we have come on the noise levels

have ratcheted up because the choir

is entering into the arena. You will

hear the singing very shortly. Let's

talk about the changes today, ten

changes, that has added some level

of excitement to this fixture

because especially with Italy, it

could've been a bit of a dead

rubber.

I was expecting three or

four changes, I did not see ten

coming. It's a bold move, the last

time he did this against Italy I

think it was 2009 and Wales

struggled to get over the line. As a

Welsh band coming into this it's an

exciting looking team.

Welsh band coming into this it's an

exciting looking team. Bold move.

The changes he made previously maybe

in the autumn have not always come

off. It would bike there was a lack

of strength in depth, but bringing

back former British or

of strength in depth, but bringing

back former British or flick and

Irish Lions, we are not talking

about children.

I thought back to

the Georgia game when Wales

struggled, but if the championship

was still on there might not have

been as many changes but we have to

remember it's only a six-day

turnaround until they play France

next week and that is a must win

game at home. Wales will want to

finish second which means winning

both games. I think it's quite a

brave and bold call to make ten

changes but a lot of those players

have a point to prove that makes

them dangerous.

We will talk about

them in depth in a moment, all Ian

Williams at full-back position he

enjoyed for the British and Irish

Lions but Warren Gatland has never

been convinced about him for Wales

ironically in that position.

It is a

selection a lot of fans have been

calling for, it will be interesting

to see if he does relish playing 15,

I think Wales will want to attack.

It's gone under the radiata, there

are so many other new names in

there, it's a really attacking

looking team.

Yet some Italian

voices have said hang on, this is a

bit disrespectful. Rob Howley was

asked that question and said you are

dammed if you do and and if you

don't, do the Italians find this a

bit of an insult?

I don't think

personally would take it as an

insult, you would see it as an

opportunity. It's not really worked,

or been so successful when he's

decided to do this so it's an

opportunity. We mullions, George

North, Toby -- Toby Faletau, making

three changes is easy but making

ten? It'll be interesting see what

formation will spit out I think from

an Italian perspective it's an

opportunity. There is only one game

after this in the Six Nations so

it's really all are nothing now.

If

I was an Italian the only concern

would be a lack of match readiness,

if I was Italy, a pretty consistent

team over the past few weeks, they

want to start this game really well

in the first 20 and put these guys

you've not had Test match experience

for a month or so now, to try to put

them under pressure.

We are just

going to go back to yesterday, two

very exciting which took place and

Ireland ended up winning the day,

this is how they did it.

COMMENTATOR: Laidlaw feeds Russell.

Out wide, and there is the danger,

there is the interception and there

is the try, he scores once more. The

Scottish defence made to work hard

once again. I would wide it goes to

Stockdale. Stockdale for his second.

Ireland have the score at the death

in this first hand. Keen Healy at

the back. Murray looks bright. Conor

Murray threw himself. Gets it down.

The try is given. Number three for

Ireland. Ireland hunting, hunting

the fourth --.

The crowd will only men in green.

Still they come.

England knew going into the cheating

fixture against France they had to

win with a bonus point and 9-9 at

half time it did not look like the

bonus point was coming and then this

happened which slowly eradicated any

chance of a win, the high tackle

from Anthony Watson penalised. He

was sent to the sin-bin for his high

tackle which led to a penalty try,

they kept the lead, only a Johnny

May try to cheer for the England

fans because they held on, France,

despite a gallant England effort in

the last few minutes. It was not

enough and they limped out of the

championship. You can see Ireland

have won with 19 points and they

have more to pick up if they want

them next week. England could drop

to third this evening because Wales

could go up to second with a bonus

point today against Italy. Suddenly

we have

point today against Italy. Suddenly

we have a whole weekend to go, we

know who the champions are but we

don't know if it's a Grand Slam are

not yet. Great work from a team who

throughout this championship looked

the most clinical and assured.

I

think when you ask a lot of people

at the start to looks the strongest,

they have got a great coach and are

tactically very astute but they got

a great group of players as well,

really strong squad. Ireland looking

back deserved to win the

championship, they've been extremely

effective and clinical and when I

watched Wales play them a couple of

weeks ago I did think, even though

Wales stayed in the game it was

quite a dominant display from

Ireland. Next week it'll be a great

challenge, England will not throwing

the towel but deserved winners.

In

Jacob Stockdale they found a player

who has taken to life in the Six

Jacob Stockdale they found a player

who has taken to life in the Six

Nations, multiple try scorer in each

match so far and it was a key

moment.

Scotland had their chances

but they were not clinical but

Ireland have been throw the

championship. When they get the

chance, the same thing as against

Wales to finish the game two weeks

ago, he's been a real find. He

brings a bit of stardust to the

backline.

brings a bit of stardust to the

backline. They are a well oiled

machine. So visioned in everything

they do.

Swings and roundabouts,

Scotland have a couple of chances,

they could have gone through and

scored tries which would be held on

and you go back to match day one and

it ended up with a drop goal for

Ireland against France in the last

minute.

It has been well documented

to win away from home, the Sexton

drop goal has been the defining

moment, that summed it up, 40

phases, no mistakes and then

executing the play is phenomenal.

They deserve to have won. They hold

onto the ball so well. Phase after

phase they back themselves, from the

first. They are not afraid to try

anything, even yesterday, three

minutes left to go most teams would

have kicked downfield and said let's

get to half-time with a slight

advantage instead they play and they

get reward and score. Their credit

to them they are the best team in

the Six Nations.

We will talk to

Italy now, Conor O'Shea still

looking for his first win and the

Six Nations in charge and it's the

first time he comes up against his

former Ireland coach Warren Gatland.

He's been talking to Sagna.

Back in

the dim and distant past when you

were playing Warren Gatland was your

coach, what's it like come up

against and for the first time?

Looking forward to hopefully having

a quiet drink with him afterwards

and showing if we can make today,

which is our focus, making sure the

big moments in the match go our way,

when we look back at the first three

games, the first half was not good

enough against Ireland but against

England and France there have been

moments that can change the energy

of the game. It's about fitness,

it's the mental boost when we need

it most. If we can hang in open

those moments go our way and you see

a different mentality not just from

us but the pressure we can put on

the opposition.

There was a moment

against France you lost your cool

and calm demeanour, is frustration

the overriding emotion?

I think at

14-7 and 14-10 between minute 46 and

56 we had four opportunities, made a

line break and that's what I mean by

these pivotal moments. A couple of

decisions which are massive, we

don't control them but we control

the other stuff and that's what we

are focusing on, our execution. If

you look back in that game, yes we

are away from home, as England

showed yesterday, as Scotland showed

in Ireland you are under pressure

but you have to write those moments.

We know we are going to need a bit

of luck but if we execute the mental

energy within the game it changes

and that's what we need to look for

today, keep looking forward but we

do not want a repeat of the

first-half.

From your experience of

Conor O'Shea is he the man you feel

can take Italy forward for a couple

of generations, people look at it in

four year terms but he seems to be

looking at this as a long-term job.

He was the first coach you sat down

and from day one said I don't want

to be here four years I want to be

here eight years at least. With that

in mind he slowly tried to change

the rugby from the grassroots, he's

worked hard with the academies which

are in place, it's going to be a

long-term project and I think they

understand that better than anyone

else but he's there for the long

haul and I think that the something

Italy really need.

Being a coach at

international level, band expect

wins straightaway and if you coach a

club team they are not judged after

five or six games because you know

you're going to be there for so long

but internationally you need results

straightaway and that is what is so

hard. You might only be in charge

for a handful of games but people

expect you to win straightaway. It's

a tough job but hopefully they stick

with him and he needs a bit of time.

What he seems keen to do which

perhaps previous coaches have not is

try out the young players, you only

get experience through experience.

We sought Matteo Minozzi playing

well against

We sought Matteo Minozzi playing

well against France, he had key

moments for Italy, an exciting

prospect.

He has been a real find

for Italy so far this Six Nations.

Italy have always lacked backline

players with player that can beat

somebody one-on-one and he has shown

it so far. Great support line, runs

all day. Get a bit of a lucky bounce

at the end and take some five point.

One of the things everyone was

concerned about before the Six

Nations was this, his defensive

work. His positional play in the

backfield. I think so far, I have

work. His positional play in the

backfield. I think so far, I have

looked at him a lot and over the

past few weeks he's been spot on,

not making any mistakes. Everyone is

looking forward to watching him

play, he is an X factor player that

Italy needs.

He was asked about the

frustration and

Italy needs.

He was asked about the

frustration and I guess it's more

than just this moment but this was a

key moment for Italy against France.

Absolutely and it typifies Italy,

they do so much good but then at

crucial moments in the game they

make a basic mistake. It's such a

momentum swing. He's got to give it

out, this is meat and drink to the

French, into the maul, winning the

turnover. Look at the emotions, he

knows it's the wrong one, he knows

how key it is. Conor does not get

animated often but you can see how

frustrated he is.

animated often but you can see how

frustrated he is. In every game they

have been in it and cost teams

problems and looked good attacking

with the ball in hand which they've

not done for a while, I think it's

the end of the tunnel for Italy.

Couple of domestic teams going

really well, it's those crucial

moments.

That happens in

international rugby a lot, there are

one or two key moment in the game

and sometimes a team can break and

the floodgates open, it is can they

stop that from happening as long as

possible to stay in the game.

Especially when you are Italy and

you've not won in the Six Nations

for 15 games are something like

that, those little opportunities

become something bigger because the

confidence drops. The other team

gets its tail up as well. More so

for Italy those occasions.

Warren

Gatland must feel after what he has

seen of Italy in this championship

you can experiment a little with his

side today, wholesale changes this

afternoon as he enjoys life as a

centurion.

What impact has that New Zealander

had on Welsh rugby?

You look back

and think it's not bad achievement.

An amazing turnaround by the men in

red. It's a draw in Dublin. Elliot

Dee LA scores for England

Wales have won the Grand Slam.

I

said to the players I think we will

batter them.

What a try to finish

with.

There is nothing wrong with a

bit of banter before I game.

It will

be a fanfare in Dublin.

As we heard, one of those ten

changes is the flanker James Davies

of Scarlets, rather than injure

centre Jonathan, he won Olympic

silver in Rio with the sevens, we

want you to meet him.

The Olympics, representing Great

Britain was a massive. Second try

for Great Britain.

for Great Britain. Growing up in

Wales playing rugby you never saw

yourself as an Olympian, you just

dreams of playing for your country.

It just takes time to convince

people and maybe people thought with

my size but I like to think I punch

above my weight. I am my own man and

I think we are different as people.

Very different as players as well.

He has been, it has been proudly

watching him and hopefully he can be

as proud as I am of him on Sunday.

Quite cocky. I have probably got the

most belief in my game over anyone

and that's a big part of who I am

and my game. It's a new environment

for me. You come into a new group of

players with British Lions except

you, you don't just come in all guns

blazing, you've got to earn your

stripes. 15 turnovers, three job

goals, something like that?

There's a lot of excitement about

this Welsh back row today, a lot of

There's a lot of excitement about

this Welsh back row today, a lot of

people say Wales have so much

strength in depth when you compare

them to England for example, he is

not the biggest, but you know all

about that.

He's a character, bit of

a cult hero, people have been crying

out for him to start and play for

Wales, finally he gets the

opportunity. This is in the sevens,

he was superb for Great Britain in

the Olympics. He reminds me of

Michael Hooper, the Australian

captain. Not the biggest but so

explosive and exciting. Very good

and the contact area as well.

Stealing the opposition ball. He's

been superb for the last couple of

years.

Wales have so much strength

in depth in the back role because we

all grew up wanting to be Martyn

Williams! I will say some criticism

about the balance of the back row

but I disagree,

about the balance of the back row

but I disagree, James Davies is an

explosive ball-carrier,

statistically one of the best guys

at turning over ball in the league.

He averages 1.8 per game.

And

turnovers are hard to come by with

the changes to laws. Justin Tipuric

has defensively been brilliant and

upped his game. The top line-out

last year and Toby Faletau does

everything. Really nice balance.

He

does everything. Did he bring you

for some advice about his team talk?

We are here to give insight but I

have no idea what he's going to say.

He's been a leader in his own way

and if I was playing and he was

capped and I would love that

selection. I would love him to leave

me out.

selection. I would love him to leave

me out.

He is world-class,

technically, ball carrying, makes

everything so easy.

To pick the ball

up from the front row, this is his

bread-and-butter. So comfortable at

the base of the scrum and Wales have

scored a try they had no right to

score. It was all down to Toby.

scored a try they had no right to

score. It was all down to Toby.

I

agree, he is world-class, he does

not have to say anything because you

don't want to let him down, he will

lead from the front.

One of the big

names back in the starting line-up,

George North with a troubled couple

of weeks with his club Northampton,

you must have come up against him

for Northampton, when you think he

is still only 25, this blip where

it's not worked out how he wanted

playing for Northampton, he still

has plenty of time to play great

rugby.

I think everyone forget how

young he is and how much expediency

brings, I saw a stat before that he

has beaten over 100 offenders in the

Six Nations tournament which is the

most of anyone. I will take credit

that I will be on that list quite a

lot so I glad I'm not coming up

against him today! He is so big and

quick and he can move. He's a threat

and Italy will have to be on their

toes.

The thing with George because

he's such a high-profile player and

he's a superstar in rugby because he

came on the scene and made such an

impression that he will make

headlines in the papers because he

is George North and everyone who is

a rugby fan wants to read stories

about him. It comes with the

territory of being a player as high

profile as he is. As an athlete he

is one of the best when he's playing

well.

His best rugby is in front of

him as well. It's been a bold move

going to Northampton and it's not

quite worked but coming back to

Wales, he's only going to get

better.

In terms of what has gone on

underneath that story will he feel

let down?

I would if I was George

North. It should be kept behind

closed doors. It's not a nice way

for George to finish but it will be

interesting to see what happens in

the next few weeks.

Gareth Anscombe

starting, we have seen him come off

the bench with great impact but it's

another thing starting.

the bench with great impact but it's

another thing starting.

It is, the

third outside-half for Wales. When

he's stepped into the role in the

last 20 minutes he's caused

opposition defenders so many

problems but the question is can he

start and control the game from the

off?

He is brilliant taking the ball

to the line and attacking defensive

lines, you can see he's comfortable

doing it. Great sidestep. When he

plays number ten he is good at

communicating. He's good at

organising force to run off him.

He's a big game player. He came over

from New Zealand, he won a

He's a big game player. He came over

from New Zealand, he won a Super

He's a big game player. He came over

from New Zealand, he won a Super 15

final with the Chiefs, started for

Wales when we played Australia in

the World Cup, started in their

quarterfinal against South Africa so

he's played big games already. He

might seem like a new selection but

he's a big game player.

And he is a

Warren Gatland type player, he wants

to do well.

Absolutely, he's been

around the squad, a lot of injuries

which have stopped and started his

career but he's a quality player.

This is a big moment for Toby

Faletau. You know what it's like

reading your country out, both of

you. What's going through his head?

Normally I am ready to rip

somebody's head off and there's a

little mascot and I had to come

right back down and make him feel

confident. But this is the best

moment you can have as a captain,

when there are the three tiers

opening up and the Welsh fans are

all there it's a privilege.

A couple

of legends facing each other as

captain, Sergio

captain, Sergio Parisse, what an

icon of the game he is.

What was he

like to run out behind?

Massive

amounts of experience and he's been

Italy's best player every week for

the last ten years. Having the boys

out is a massive boost. Some of the

younger boys looked at them what

they were growing up.

Always a dramatic moment when the

teams come out into the stadium,

plenty of mothers being treated on

Mother's Day to a lovely day out as

always. The fireworks go off, you

will hear the choir in a moment,

time for a final thoughts, is it

going to be the attack minded

running rugby, that so many expect

this line-up could produce?

Wales

will have to go to both game plans,

they have to be physical but there

will definitely be tries. It will be

high-scoring.

Confident of a win, I

am a bit apprehensive because of the

changes but I think they will win.

There could be mistakes if they try

to throw the ball around as much as

we expect them to.

After the anthems

you will hear from our commentary

team, that's the Faletau family

looking on as their boy leads the

country out for the first time on

his 70th cap. Now a rousing moment

in this stadium, time for two

cracking anthems.

# Fratelli d'Italia

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

# Fratelli d'Italia

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

# Stringiamci a coorte

siam pronti alla morte

# Siam pronti alla morte

l'Italia chiamo

# Stringiamci a coorte

siam pronti alla morte

# Siam pronti alla morte

l'Italia chiamo #.

CHEERING

APPLAUSE

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau

yn annwyl i mi

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

enwogion o fri

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr,

gwladgarwyr tra mad

# Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed

# Gwlad, gwlad

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad

# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau

# O bydded i'r heniaith barhau. #

CHEERING

APPLAUSE

COMMENTATOR: Well whatever might or

might not be at stake the anthems

sound as loud as ever and mean as

much to those who line up for their

country and even more to those

singing in the Jersey for the first

time. Ten changes in total and the

one who gets his first cap is James

Davies of

one who gets his first cap is James

Davies of Scarlets. New front row,

income Nicky Smith more survival is

in need backline. Owen Watkin

getting a run at outside centre,

George North on the left, both

equally dangerous. Conor O'Shea

making just one change to the

Italian side which lost in Paris,

the pack remains the same and the

strength relies on the back row.

Might be the last time playing in

this stadium, captain Parisse.

Filling in at centre, 21-year-old

full-back Minozzi can trouble most

defensive, scored against Ireland

and France. Late change to the bench

for Wales, Samson Lee failed a

fitness test so Jones provides cover

at tight head prop. The newer

generation. Italy have one to watch

in Licata, 21-year-old flanker.

Faletau leading the side for the

first time and alongside him James

Davies playing for Wales for the

first time. The referee for this one

is Jerome Garces of France.

Sergio Parisse talked about this

stadium as one that he will miss the

most when he does finally hang up

the boots, saying it is the greatest

rugby stadium in the world, Warren

Gatland, Shaun Edwards and Rob

Howley watching on in spring, the

season of renewal and looking

forward and Wales have an eye on the

future but still a chance to finish

second in the championship as

Tommaso Allan gets Italy going in

the final game of the penultimate

weekend of the NatWest Six Nations

and taken in immediately by George

North. Already Nicky Smith trying to

get free.

Up it goes from Gareth Davies. Long

and taken by Parisse. Into the

challenge of Bradley Davies.

Marcello Violi find support and

carried in by Mbanda. Violi again,

firmly established as the first

choice scrum-half. Negri the

blindside flanker, you'll force for

Italy. It is Italy with the first

chance to carry. Dean Budd in the

second row and noise from the

Italian fans inside the stadium.

Allan thought he saw some space and

had to be controlled by Liam

Williams. He sends it high. And

slapped backwards by Williams,

trying to get it back to Welsh

support but it goes into touch.

They

will be happy with the defensive

effort, Wales. Today is all about

being clinical and patient for

Wales. A lot of changes and I think

the Italians will fancy a crack at

the Welsh pack. It will be an

interesting encounter this

afternoon.

Along with Parisse and

Zanni, Leonardo Ghiraldini, the

hooker, on the experienced players

in the Italian team. Flinging it

around the and just a little stumble

from Bisegni.

First turnover, James

Davies right over it straightaway.

Can Wales take advantage with Cory

Hill? Faletau trying a little

grubber through but only to Parisse.

Back they come for the penalty

advantage that was being played by

Jerome Garces.

There was a trip

there by Minozzi but Davies was

straight over the ball.

There is no

way they can be isolated, if the

Italians are isolated there is a

very quick back row for Wales.

Interesting that Davies is playing

for the first, and yet you have

Navidi and Warburton is injured and

a lot of other quality opensides,

but some countries wouldn't give the

those options.

We know who you are

talking about!

A statement of intent

by Wales and they're here to try to

score tries today. Elliot Dee

finding Tipuric.

Wales through Davies now and North

with the power. Graceful feet as

well. Wales to within five metres.

They come through the forwards,

frantic defence from Italy, Zanni

trying to disrupt.

On by Elliot Dee again, the Dragons

hooker. It comes back and straight

through goes Hadleigh Parkes and it

was simple when it came. The first

try within four minutes and Wales

break through. And we wondered if

this Welsh team with all those

changes would find continuity and

link wealth and an answer within

four minutes.

Watch the tackle, he

gets his head in the wrong position,

I think it is Castello. He was left

on the floor and he will have the

HIA. They did not commit men to the

ruck but you can't miss the tackle

one on one. His body position was

dreadful. He paid the consequences.

Any of you are looking to teach

children, the head has to be outside

the outside of the waste, not

inside. And especially not near

Sergio Parisse who was going for the

same tackle as well.

The defence was

organised, they did not commit to

the ruck and yet the one on one

missed tackle and seven points.

And

of course the most simple of

conversions after the score from

Hadleigh Parkes and Wales are off to

a flyer. Hadleigh Parkes with his

third try for Wales.

And although

Italy only had the one change, I

think he is the one player they have

discovered this year who is real

quality and they will miss him a

inordinately.

Wales certainly

targeting second place in the table.

That is stolen by the rugby league

at the interception and an

opportunity now for Owen Watkin who

was away and free and looking for

support now and he steps around

Parisse and it is George North who

is in for the second try! One end of

the Principality Stadium to the

other and they celebrate again.

That

looks straightforward from an

interception. But it still needs

scoring. Plenty of times we have

seen clear breaks not converted.

There was still a lot to do.

You

cannot throw a blind pass. There

were two there, it was a brilliant

intercept by Watkin and fantastic

support play. He has awareness and

looks up and he steps Parisse and

there was the window where every

good window should be -- winger.

They got slightly overexcited,

Italy, and two blind passes and the

second was the interception.

With the space -- within the space

of a minute or so, Gareth Anscombe

to try to convert again.

It came back and it is 14 points.

And you fear a long afternoon for

Italy.

There was the first one and

the second. He has never seen the

outside man coming in and it is an

easy try but a great finish by

George North.

31 tries now for

North. Missing at the start of this

Six Nations but he has worked his

way back in through the replacement

and now starting and he will be a

hard man to dislodge.

Again, when a side like Italy, or

any side, comes to Cardiff, you want

to try to quieten the crowd in the

opening minutes but that plan has

very much failed. Parisse into

North, one small victory. That was

fine, says the referee, despite the

decoy run. Italy trying once again.

Carried in by Benvenuti.

Carried in by Benvenuti. And there

is the tight head, Ferrari and a

penalty to Italy. The culprit is

Tomas Francis.

Even this early in

the game come interesting to see

what they do but I would take the

points.

Incidentally, we should

confirm what Jonathan was suggesting

as they go out for the corner, that

the massacre still owe it off for an

HIA -- Tommaso Castello is off.

They

have obviously listened to you and

gone for the corner.

England last

night against France had two

opportunities, and Farrell's kick

was brilliant into the corner but

that is the difference he has not

found the five metres.

The different

if they might actually win the ball.

It is up to derive the knee to hit

his mark. Italy arriving late to the

line-out. It is a good take by Budd.

And held at the back by Dirar beanie

with Parisse alongside him who

smuggled it away -- to

-- Leonardo Ghiraldini. Parisse pops

up everywhere. Now they move it

through Bisegni and advantage to

Italy. This is a free attack with a

penalty coming. Violi looking down

the blindside to Minozzi with a

quick feet and Leicester it! Minozzi

scores and what a finish -- and he

has done it.

That was superb

individual skill. He had the

knowledge he could come back but he

decided to keep it in hand and that

took some scoring.

It is interesting

here, it is a dummy kick. After this

ruck. He thinks the dummy kick, the

number nine and Liam Williams drops

back and it gives him an extra yard

to get on the outside of Williams.

He drops back and it gives him

enough space to run at him and he

skins him on the outside, brilliant

finish.

Wonderful finish from

Minozzi. Away from the attentions of

Liam Williams first of all and then

Davies and Steff Evans.

You can say

what you like about the fact that

two Welsh defenders should have made

those tackles but you cannot take

away from the fact that Minozzi

found a way to beat them.

Great

finish.

A man down injured all the

while that Minozzi has now scored

against Ireland, France and Wales.

It is a Maxime Mbanda who is being

healed. The conversion will just

about sale over his head.

Quiet

start to the game!

Cagey affair!

And the contribution of Parisse

again, taking the ball forward. He

had been involved in the line-up

earlier on in the move and got out

there to be a carrier.

Tommaso Allan

to try to convert.

Decent nudge and straight through it

goes. Minozzi's try is a 7-point and

a bright start to the match. I think

we will have a few more tries today.

Just watch again, Williams drops

back and it allows him to have a bit

of a run at him. Great finish.

He is not the biggest man, Minozzi,

but so quick off the mark and his

acceleration and his step really

does frighten defenders. Mbanda has

been strapped up. A little dink

restart and it comes back to

Parisse.

Ghiraldini plays scrum-half. Set by

Negri. All sorts of complaints from

various players as that goes up I

come a few yards forward. Answering

around and fair game for anyone and

eventually it is the scrum-half

Marcello Violi.

I think the scrum-half cleaned up

his own mess.

Violi sets his guards to protect the

kick and sends it the way of Liam

Williams who goes over the top of

Benvenuti.

Good counter ruck, Budd

was in there and came through the

middle.

Ghiraldini onto Allan and

there is Hayward who is on

permanently now for Castello and

this is Minozzi again come almost

away. Italy playing with a bit of

fluency now. The ball goes loose but

backwards. There is Dean Budd, good

off-load onto Ferrari.

No hands,

red.

Allen out wide to Benvenuti

again who slaps aside his own man.

Dean Budd again.

No.

The little chip

over the top into touch but they

were moving forward quite nicely.

For me that is a giveaway. It will

be a Welsh line-out and they should

get it. They were making yardage and

winning the gain line battle. Look

at the patience.

A quick line-out by

Wales taken down by Tipuric and the

long kick to Benvenuti.

long kick to Benvenuti. Up it goes

from Minozzi. Here is an some and

Williams. Williams able to off-load

and Parkes finds George North. It is

a bit hushed inside the stadium now

after the flurry of tries. Wales

with an opportunity, space

appearing, an some take it in.

Francis with Parkes who scored the

first try and he directs that kick

very well indeed.

It needs the Wells

forward now to put pressure on the

Italian throw but Italy have to be

careful because when they are

kicking the ball from the back three

air chase and defence is very

haphazard. One or two players but no

coherent first and second lines and

if Wales recognise that they could

cause carnage.

Maxime Mbanda has had

to go off he has been replaced by

Giovanni Licata in the back row.

Italy with the lion's share of

possession. Again, I think

possession particularly can

sometimes...

They will be happy with

the start but one missed tackle and

one intercept and they are 14 points

behind so they have to eradicate

their mistakes and keep their

discipline.

Eclipse of Licata who is

on as Negri took it in. -- a glimpse

of Licata. That is not a bad

clearing kick.

When you see Minozzi

and the contribution he makes, you

have mentioned a couple of times he

is relatively small, but isn't it

nice to see players at pace being

able to make things rather than just

bludgeon?

There is no substitute for

pace.

A few players have players who

are speedier rather than larger now.

Elliot Dee is there. Anscombe

thought he saw a gap opening up.

North having a wrestle with

Ghiraldini.

Try to go through the middle with

Cory Hill and Nicky Smith and the

ball goes loose and Italy will have

the scrum.

It is brilliant from

Wales, quick passing, short passes

and James Davies will be

disappointed, there was an

opportunity on the right-hand side.

Wales will have watched Italy, they

spread a lot and don't commit. The

off-load and the turned pass, one

more and George North against

Minozzi five yards out. Wales have

been clever because they have varied

their attack, where they are

attacking, they go wide but when

they spread the defence they will

pick and drive. They bring the

defenders in and then go wide again.

Good variety.

This is the first scrum after 16 and

a half minutes.

Wales just beginning to squeeze but

it comes back for Italy and Hayward.

Play on.

Violi was trying to dig it

free. Minozzi has got a useful boot

as well.

That is a lot better from

the Italians, the exit strategy, you

have a left foot and right foot, not

a bad clearing kick.

It was a

capable exit but he would have

wanted another ten or 15 metres.

Wales playing with pace and restart

is taken, Williams out wide to Steff

Evans. A little chip and the

touchdown for Gareth Davies. The try

they will check if he was in front

of the kicker but he and Wales

celebrate and it might be try number

three.

That is only possible

downside. I must admit, in the

excitement of watching...

He is a

brilliant track and support player.

I want to check if number 15 red is

onside.

We are kicking for a player

in front of the ball as it was

kicked?

Yes.

I will get back to you.

Gareth Davies is very good at this.

He is offside, no try. He would have

been disappointed because he could

have held his run a bit more. They

played together for the Scarlet and

they always do it. But he was

offside, no try.

You know if it

looks suspect in real time that it

probably is on the replay and you

could see he was some distance

offside. The decision from Marius

Jonker.

I have a decision for you.

On the big screen, the red player is

clearly offside so no try and

penalty for offside.

That is the

correct decision.

Jerome Garces had seen it on the big

screen in any case so penalty to

Italy.

But very well explained.

Marius is a man of clarity! Relief

for Conor O'Shea. It is a strange

atmosphere around the stadium, sort

of a murmuring because they expect

and demand tries today and they had

those two early on but Italy have

settled into the Matt Skura 12.

You

have to consider that Ireland have

already taken the title -- Italy

have settled into the match quite

well. While there is a lot riding on

this for individual players at the

thought of playing in a fixture

which is not going to effect the

outcome of the championship one way

or another must have some effect.

Silver medal? Do they do those? They

should do. Italy coming once more

and a rare chance for Bellini, not

sure he has had his hands on the

ball yet, the winger.

It was

interesting, the proponents of the

bonus point system, of which I was

one, never thought it would end the

tournament early.

I think there is a

lot to play for, a lot of young

players for Wales, the World Cup is

coming up and they have a great

opportunity to stake a claim and the

Italians had to develop their game

and give the youngsters the

platform. I think they have done

very well so far, dominating

possession and territory but

unfortunately made two mistakes that

cost them but they have responded

well.

Steepling kick from Violi but

they go back for a penalty and it

was James Davies with a late tackle.

That was a long way back. I think he

just bumped into him, I don't think

there was anything in that. The

outside-half was aware that James

Davies was around and he just bumped

his shoulder.

Interesting with

Davies coming in committee is

pulling up trees for the Scarlet and

earning plaudits and he will be so

keen to make an impact.

What a kick

that is.

That is tremendous.

He goes

across, this was in slow motion. It

is a penalty.

Apart from not having

to do it and it being unnecessary!

And it has cost him, what a

magnificent kick.

The serious point

is that if Italy, as they are

capable of doing, were to score,

that sort of thing is a crucial

lesson on why you cannot simply just

step over a mark.

They strolled to

the line-out and Budd takes it from

Dirar beanie. The maul goes down. --

Ghiraldini.

A bit unfortunate

because Parisse lost his footing.

Elliot Dee getting the talking to.

It comes round and Parisse has gone

down and that means the players who

want to keep it up have not been

able to.

The only legal way to stop the

driving maul is to get enough

weight. The illegal they can

possibly cost you a penalty try so

in the end a good result for Wales

irrespective of the fact that Italy

have the put-in.

Instead of the

line-out attack it is a scrum attack

for Italy at the five metre line.

This is another area for Wales, you

look at the front row and the

players on the bench and how well

people are coping, looking at the

depth must be pleasing for Warren

Gatland and his coaching and

management staff, to see the number

of players stepping forward who he

can trust at this level.

Great opportunity for Italy here.

There is a ten metre blindside, just

enough to work in.

In it goes from Violi and Wales

moving it around and the ball is out

and Italy trying to secure it and

they have it now with Bellini who

makes good ground, the winger

working hard to save the situation.

It slows for a moment. Dean Budd

alongside Leonardo Ghiraldini. Set

back but not a huge amount of

support. Violi to Parisse now and

that is to nobody and Liam Williams

with a chance to crack and chase

with Steff Evans and is there as

well. Williams secured it. It comes

back on the Italian side eventually.

And the tackle coming in from

Faletau! And Tommaso Allan is in a

world of pain. That was a huge hit.

It is a brilliant tackle but it was

surprising because the Italians gone

was under pressure, Ferrari was in

reverse in the front row. That is a

massive tackle.

The first thing we

say, it is a good tackle and fair.

He has tried to wrap around with his

arms but right in the midriff.

Nothing wrong with the tackle.

The

best thing about it is the decision,

they had an overlap on the outside,

the Italians had created the

turnover, the overlap was on and he

made the decision and he nailed this

man.

Let's give some credit to

Matteo Minozzi.

They are chatting scrums at the

moment.

The steel from Minozzi off

Liam Williams, it shows how quick he

must be because he was not favourite

to start with. He had to turn and

Williams was running onto the ball.

He has the tenacity to fight the

ball on the ground and come up with

it. Liam Williams favourite but

Minozzi obviously was tenacious.

There was the overlap and what a

spot tackle that is.

Tommaso Allan

is still down. It was almost the

whiplash effect of this. They were

taking all sorts of care over his

neck, that was a thumping tackle.

He'll be all right, slightly winded

but ill get up now.

APPLAUSE

A little nod at Taulupe to say great

hit, mate.

His parents watching,

good work, Junior, they say. That is

great to see. He has got two fewer

ribs but he is still with us!

Watch

him have a little look up the next

time he gets the ball. Again, it is

that one handling error. They could

have scored.

I think you should put

that down to be coming from the

tackle rather than a handling error.

The one previously from Parisse.

Another pass to nothing.

Scrum

eventually ready to go again. Just

starting to move but Italy get it

going and Jayden Hayward, the New

Zealander. An opportunity again for

Italy. No look past from Allan to

Benvenuti. And penalty to Italy.

Jerome Garces was saying offside.

Interesting ploy, rarely do you see

an update using the ball like that

and it caught Wales. -- to see a

number eight.

It is the fourth

penalty now against Wales. I have to

say, it's the best I've seen Italy

play for a long time. They looked

comfortable on the ball, organised.

Like with a lot of the games, it is

just getting all of the components

to fit for a sufficient length in a

single game. Many games they do it

very well, and occasionally they

bring it together.

This is the way Italy have played so

far with Linux, just taking the time

to get their and as soon as they

are, goes to his man, Negri. Long

time in the air. Parisse holding the

bag, at the front, just a touch,

penalty advantage to Italy, once

again an attack to nothing. They can

be ambitious, crossfield kick from

Allan, just a bit too long, a lot

too long for Bellini on the wing.

This will be an interesting

decision.

Put it in the corner

again. Depends whether they want on

the scoreboard to try to keep in

touch. Three points.

Confident, good

catch and drive on the last

line-out.

If you do this you have to

recover some points. Doesn't matter

if it's only three but you really

have two get a score.

As we watch

the replay of the line-out, player

being told just to hurry up on the

line-out and Ghiraldini looking for

the ball once more in this position.

On the five metre line. Conor O'Shea

and my cat. Safely gathered, what

can they do with it?

can they do with it? Spinning

around, Ghiraldini has it.

around, Ghiraldini has it.

That was

poorly organised by Italy. Isolated.

Negri takes it in. Parisse, Reichert

swarming around him. Scrabbling up

towards the five metre line. The

off-load to Zanni, he crawls

forward. Penalty to Wales.

Over the

top, you can hear on the referee

might shouting holding. Again just

slightly isolated. They need to just

increased their tempo. When they get

into the red zone they need to go

through the gears a couple of times.

Italy slightly one pace.

Anscombe

clears. Coming into this game,

talking about Italy, they have

scored as many tries coming into

this game as Wales and France and

Scotland, they have shown an ability

to score tries. But not on this

occasion.

From the forwards

perspective when you are looking at

driving the line-out there are ways

of doing it which are cogent and

that was not one of them.

The

opportunity for Wales this time,

captain Faletau, and Anscombe gives

it on, wide it comes to Evans,

Williams fighting it down.

Does well to set it back and

Ghiraldini playing scrum-half,

Parisse, little juggle with the

fingertips. Ghiraldini again. The

New Zealanders combining, off-load

finds its way to Licata, the

replacement flanker. Ghiraldini.

Charge into James Davies.

Charge into James Davies. Centred

the way of Liam Williams. Skips it

high, it's almost gone back on

himself. Tries to gather and does.

Liam Williams gets another chance.

Anscombe, space in behind Allan but

it sets up nicely for the fly-half.

He is hit hard and Italy have to get

back in numbers.

Taken in by Negri again.

The scrum-half Violi puts good

distance on it, Faletau waiting.

Too

far.

Anscombe wandering into

trouble.

Penalty. Isolated.

Attack

again with the advantage. They can

be ambitious. No way through

immediately. They will come back for

the penalty, new penalty and white.

I think the kick this one.

Have to

take the points. Not the greatest

decision by Anscombe. On his own.

You only need to get one player in

what they call

INAUDIBLE

Position.

It's difficult. You get

one opportunity, if you can, the

best way, if you cannot do that, get

two players to try to take him off.

Two fluent French speakers as you

might expect from Jerome Garces,

being French, but having a

conversation in English for our

benefit.

Normally you might get in

trouble for laying your hands on but

eventually he got hold of the ball

and it affected the turnover. You

have to say the last ten minutes

Italy have played well without

managing to get the score that

perhaps that they certainly wanted

and maybe deserved that he will be

very happy that they have played in

a coherent way.

This is what they

have to do. The last ten minutes,

blow up a little, focus on the last

ten minutes. They played

exceptionally well in this first

half and as I said apart from the

interception and they missed

one-on-one tackle I think they've

had more and more of the play. Need

to turn pressure into points.

Sensible decision now. Tomaso Alan

gathers himself.

Just drifted to the left-hand side.

You will be disappointed with that.

Parisse waiting for his 22. Takes it

high above his head.

high above his head. Ghiraldini with

the swift pass to Licata. Benvenuti

straight into Francis.

Ghiraldini once again. We'll strive

to keep him elevated and they have

stripped him. Gareth Davies. Little

kick from hardly Parkes and it's a

foot race again.

Long way clear of the onrushing

Welsh, were drowned his shoulder and

saw a couple heading down on him,

had to quicken up.

Surprised that

Parkes kicked turnover ball away.

Parkes kicked turnover ball away.

I

think Wales have not gone through

the phases as much as they would

have liked.

A rather hushed atmosphere continues

after that very bright start for

Wales. I think everyone thought it

would be a torrent of Welsh tries

but it's not unfolded yet. But all

to play with, Cory Hill gives it

onto Elliot Dee. Hadleigh Parkes

thinks about the off-load to James

Davies but thinks better of it.

Still Welsh ball. On it comes to

Elliot Dee once more. Anscombe, his

chip and his chase, Anscombe looking

for support and finds it from

Davies. Cannot quite find Owen

Watkin and Italy have it.

Open play.

William is the only man back but

able to cover and set Sale. Does

well.

Looking for the off-load, Parkes.

Incomes Violi again, gives it to

Allan, Ghiraldini with red shirts

rushing up on him.

He has played

well again, Ghiraldini.

Man of such

experience, big clubs in Leicester

and Toulouse.

This is a free play

now for the Italians because of the

knock-on by Hadleigh Parkes.

Little

knock-on from Wales so Italy have

the scrum, Wales looking for the

fluency they had in the opening

minutes. Yet been able to find it.

For us it's a knock-on.

It would be

interesting how long Warren Gatland

would stay with the original

selection were Italy to score

because above all he will want to

make sure the recording win. Italy

at the moment not able to put

scoreboard pressure on Wales so that

one necessarily transpire but at

some point I am sure...

Lovely chip

and chase. The Italian defence has

been good. Tries to get the

off-load, their years, try something

different. Bounce favours him.

Things to talk about as we have this

breakdown for

Things to talk about as we have this

breakdown for injuries, looking at

the action areas, that was pretty

even. Welsh women lost to Italy

before this match on this pitch,

just a couple of hours ago. Good win

before this match on this pitch,

just a couple of hours ago. Good win

for the Italy under 20s against the

Welsh under 20s. A lot of people

talk about Italy and do they deserve

their place but the Italians will

point to the structure we have in

place and some talent coming

through.

That is the big thing

because that's what been able to do

for the numbers they want but that

is the secret to it, because they

need to get them through the

schools.

The scrum is creaking and

down but back for Italy. The spell

was

that visit.

The last tenants of the game, the

handling has been OK and then there

is a mistake. You take this

straightaway now, take the points on

offer. Take them to two scores away

just before half-time. Take the

points.

Had a little think about it,

Faletau came forward and said go for

the posts.

Showed a little bit of

respect to the Italians and how will

they have played.

they have played.

On comes Jenkins

with water bottle and kicking tee.

Four minutes to go in the

first-half. The machine, Neil

Jenkins. Over 900 he scored.

I think

it was over 1000.

I was rounding

down... Who's counting? Anscombe

then.

Three points for Wales. It's been a

while since they bothered the

scoreboard and the take that penalty

and stretch out ten points clear.

Just shows they are in an arm

wrestle and they know that. Two

quick tries. The Italians showing a

positive response. One mistake

again, three points.

again, three points.

Allan gets us

underway once more. Three minutes

remaining in this first half. Onto

George North.

Wales get going again to Elliot Dee.

One-man tackle, if they cannot win

the ball they all stay and form a

defensive line.

Gareth Davies said

that perhaps a trifle long, Mbanda

with time. Some sit over the head,

bounces up nicely for the fly-half.

The kicking contest, Parisse let it

take.

take. Gareth Davies waiting. Until

Ian Williams.

Just watches it.

Was not sure

whether to take it. That sure his

feet were going to be. Italian

line-out.

line-out.

This has a far more cagey

look and feel to it, this game.

It

does, and when you look, just a few

minutes before half-time, Wales have

made Italy pay for the mistakes they

made early on but apart from the

first ten minutes they've done very

little.

I think they have not

created the two tries, they both

came from Italian mistakes. They

will want to keep possession, go to

the phases and try to create

something. I'm sure that'll be the

half-time talk from Warren Gatland.

For the Italians it's a case of keep

doing what you're doing. Still in

the game.

Charged down, was Elliot

Dee held back?

That's going to be a

yellow card.

It's a penalty and they

will have a chat and have a look

perhaps. Signalled that he was held

back, is he going to give more than

a penalty?

If he has held them back

its cynical. It should be a yellow

card.

card. Being a bit lenient there.

That the charge down and that is a

professional foul.

The line-out

quickly taken and Wales searching

for this try at the end of the first

half.

half. Don't it goes but it is John

deer for Gareth Davies. Crossfield

kick, advantage, Steff Evans tries

to clutch at it but they come back

with a penalty. And some asters. --

afters.

There will be some angry

faces but no punches thrown.

faces but no punches thrown.

Not

like any good old days of wanton

violence! But there an injury, a

little kick on the floor perhaps

being the reason.

being the reason.

Goes to try the

cap in. It is head-to-head but I

don't think there is anything

malicious in it.

It is another good

tackle.

Trying to dislodge the ball

as well with the arm coming in.

Minozzi complains but there's

nothing wrong with it. Then the

Italian support comes in.

Nothing in

that for me.

Normally.

Push there.

No, no, no. Let's just wander off.

Here we go.

He's going to look at it

here and its outcome based, it's

nothing to do with intent.

You want

to look at the tackle? I will have a

look.

I think it's similar to the

Watson tackle. When Watson goes for

the try...

You mean he should be

sent off for ten minutes? Is that

what you mean?

On the first angle it

looked fine but on the other angle

you see the shoulder going into the

side of the head and if the referee

and TMO see that they may make a

decision.

The shoulder has contact

with the job.

Calm down! He put his

arm.

I don't think there's anything

with that.

with that.

These are different times

in different laws.

in different laws.

The contact is

above the neck therefore it's a

yellow card. In normal circumstances

with normal circumstances it should

be.

Is at the shoulder on the head?

It could be red.

I have contact with

the shoulder on the neck area.

OK.

Did he use his arm or just his

shoulder?

What I see is contact made

by the shoulder to the neck and then

a late arm in the tackle coming

through. So it was a timing issue

with the arm.

with the arm.

So he touched the

neck, he put his arm, so it will be

a yellow card.

That is great,

contact the head with medium force

to the red.

The yellow card comes

out, Williams will be offered ten

minutes, huge decision in this match

because it was a penalty to Wales,

it is turned over and Italy will

have a man advantage.

If you see

your player do it it's never as bad

as when you see someone else do it.

Warren Gatland has made his way off

and Liam Williams has as well

because he will be off for ten

minutes at the start of the second

half because that little dramatic

passage was the last passage of play

in this first half. The Welsh

leaders body slender going into the

second-half bearing in mind they

will be a man but at half-time the

score is 17-7.

STUDIO: What a thing to happen right

at the death of the first half,

perhaps that was the moment that we

initially thought this was a moment

worth reliving, not for the tackle

but the reaction between Allan and

Faletau. It was a cruncher, he was

but the reaction between Allan and

Faletau. It was a cruncher, he was

down for a while but he's played a

big part in the game as have so many

Italian backs making this

big part in the game as have so many

Italian backs making this a very

entertaining spectacle. Some

interesting stats at penalties, six

for Wales, five for Italy. At one

point it was exciting to and tackles

made. It seems the Italians are

making the Welsh work very hard.

Perhaps they thought it would be the

other way round? They have held

possession, held their own, Italy

after what was quite a devastating

possession, held their own, Italy

after what was quite a devastating

start from Wales. After four minutes

14-0 up and fluid and flowing.

Actually after that seemed to become

a lot more disjointed.

Italy did

really well not to cave after going

14-0 down, I thought it would be

like the super Saturday on 2015 when

the floodgates opened and it was

game over. But Wales scored points

of the Italian mistakes but Italy

have kept themselves in the game.

The half-backs done well and Italy

have looked pretty good.

It's an

unusual start for Wales making twice

as many tackles as Italy. That would

be the game plan but have to give

the Italians credit. The last 30

minutes they played really well.

Wales are not playing like they did

with Gareth Anscombe when he came on

against England when they had lots

of forward runners. We have not

really created so I think the coach

will definitely say we need to

challenge more.

After the first ten

minutes which Wales dominated its

pretty much been Italy just chipping

away. They have kicked very well,

most of the game played in Welsh

territory. But they just need to

limit the mistakes. Two intercepts

and pretty much twice Wales look

like scoring.

Let's have a look back

and pretty much twice Wales look

like scoring.

Let's have a look back

to the first try, Hadleigh Parkes

after just a few minutes, James

Davis involved.

Highlight number

seven.

Straight over the ball, first

couple of minutes, great confidence

booster, wins the penalty,

eventually comes, over the ball.

He's an expert about, low centre of

gravity. I just want to see the

Italian defenders, not once did he

look at Hadleigh Parkes, they are

ball watching and looking at the

ruck. Get his head on the wrong

side, Castello, and knocked himself

out. Just a really good line but

they will be disappointed because

they got numbers.

they will be disappointed because

they got numbers. They're just not

aware of the threat.

Then James

Davies, he had a mixed game in many

way, next half, he has tried to

impress and create the turnovers but

occasionally been a bit reckless?

You cannot judge a player of one

performance anyway. Anyone given a

crack at international level needs a

few games before you can judge them

and make comment. But he's had a

bright first half. The first

turnover, we'll see another one of

those in the second half. Wales did

not get one against Ireland and

himself, James Davies and Justin

Tipuric, Nicky Smith strong over the

ball.

George North back in the

starting line-up

ball.

George North back in the

starting line-up for Wales making

his presence felt but again it was

always pass which caused

interception.

George North has been

pretty much perfect so far. Every

time he's got the ball he's looked

like he's got to make or break or

score a try. It's kind of come I

pretty much sums up Italian rugby so

far in the Six Nations, some periods

in which Italy have looked amazing

and then one little mistake and

Wales pounds and they just kind of

take their foot off the accelerator.

It's something they are going to to

fix in the next 40 minutes if they

are to come away with the victory.

17-7 so pretty lucky towards

are to come away with the victory.

17-7 so pretty lucky towards the end

not end up conceding more points but

it's definitely an open game.

You

feared for Italy at that point. You

said yourself that could be a long

afternoon but you have to give them

credit because that's a killer blow,

and interception against you is a

killer but they have regathered

themselves well.

I think Italy

realised that as well.

14-0 down

after seven minutes, is the point is

going to help? They went to the

corner and got some reward and stuck

with it. Missed one kick but he's

played very well so far and that

could have brought it to 14-10.

As

has Minozzi who we talked about and

ended up coming with the try for

Italy.

He was someone we highlighted

before the game and he's done pretty

much every thing we said so far. He

is that X

much every thing we said so far. He

is that X factor, great work, faking

the kick.

It's the dummy kick, if

Williams stays where he is they

don't score but it's a great dummy

from the half-back. Liam Lloyd 's

overreach the play but you have to

give Minozzi credit, great finish in

a tight area.

You stay high and he

put a little grubber through

everyone is going where is the

full-back Saudi backed himself to

make the one-on-one tackle and

Minozzi has just got that little

X-Pac many of the Italian backs

don't have

X-Pac many of the Italian backs

don't have in that situation getting

the points.

I think in that

situation the winner has to stay up

and Steff Evans, he's swapped into

that sweeper 's role and he was

there to sweep as a 15 sol Ian

Williams needs to stay flat if it

happens again. -- Ian Williams.

This angle doesn't look that bad,

it's the other

This angle doesn't look that bad,

it's the other angle we see later

on. The shoulder catches his head

first.

I don't think Liam Williams

has intentionally gone per his head.

He's just gone you could say that is

red.

You could say that is red and

you could not complain.

You could

not complain. He should count

himself lucky it is just a yellow.

not complain. He should count

himself lucky it is just a yellow.

You would like to have for Wales

would come away with three points in

that situation, driving line-out

again perhaps, could have been 24-7

or 20-7, now it's 17-7 with the

sin-bin, Italy will go in with a bit

of momentum change.

I think

definitely, if it goes 24-7 in the

game is finished. You have just

conceded on the last play of the

game so I think as you say Italy

will go in at half-time thinking you

know what, take the first seven

minutes out we are winning the game

and have played better than wales so

far. Definitely in with a shot.

That

was an illegal

far. Definitely in with a shot.

That

was an illegal tackle and cost

Wales, this wasn't, but it may have

cost Allan a few minutes of his

life. It shows the power.

It's a

great read, the boys in commentary

mentioned it. When you go down the

short side normally the defence

might push the team to the touchline

but Toby Reddit and backed himself.

He absolutely creamed him but he's a

top sport.

He absolutely creamed him but he's a

top sport.

He had a look like he

might be telling his grandchildren

about that when the great Toby

Faletau winded him in Cardiff.

If he

sees him in front of him next time

he might pass the ball a bit

quicker.

Talking about these changes

and what it's done to Wales, the

fuel for the attacking flair we are

seeing, we are seeing moments.

Yes,

I think they are trying a bit too

hard at times, forcing the pass.

Keep the ball and go through the

phases but it's been a mixed half.

It's been quite scrappy, but I think

they will be unhappy, the Welsh

coaching staff, with the discipline.

They have taken all the momentum out

the game.

One thing you cannot do is

panic. Playing Italy last year we

were losing at half-time and

everyone was panicking, the players

were not but it sounds from

hindsight like externally people

wear. We are in the lead and still

in control. You're in a good place,

Wales are still in a decent place.

Probably not where they wanted to be

but a decent place.

It's a

fascinating encounter and

but a decent place.

It's a

fascinating encounter and it started

early at the Principality Stadium

because the women's match between

Wales and Italy took place, Wales

getting there are Six Nations

campaign back on track was the plan

but it was dashed, a surprise home

defeat to the bottom side Italy, the

first win of the championship sealed

in the final minutes. Wales had

closed within two points with ten

minutes left but there was a yellow

card and that killed off the fight

back for them.

very well, and occasionally they

bring it together.

Is a fascinating documentary tonight

on players who have virtually sought

from rugby union to rugby league. I

think we can get views on Cubby and