Wales won’t go off rails vows Davies
ROME, with its tumbling ruins and ancient history, is a fine place for Wales to etch their name into the record books today.
Warren Gatland’s side will seal their 11th straight success should they triumph at the Stadio Olimpico. In the process they would equal the country’s record winning run, which dates back to between 1907 and 1910.
Wales are 1-12 favourites to leave Rome two from two in this year’s championship and it would take a major shock for Gatland’s men to lose, even given the fact they have made a total of 10 changes from their opening-week victory in France.
Expect the Welsh rugby train to roll on from Rome back to Cardiff with Gatland’s engine still in fine fettle.
Wales will then face England in a mouth-watering third-round battle, by which stage they will be unbeaten for 364 days.
Experienced centre Jonathan Davies will captain Wales for the first time in Rome, with Alun Wyn Jones rested for the clash, and becomes the 137th skipper in his country’s history.
“My dad was 60 on Tuesday, so my mum and dad went from Paris through Switzerland on the Glacier Express. I think they’ve had a great week,” he said. “They have been a massive part of where I am today, so to have my family and loved ones out here is great.
“Italy are always a dangerous opponent. We must pay them respect. As captain I’d like to think I won’t be shouting or raving, but if it is needed, it is needed.
“It is important we start well. We can’t give Italy opportunities to get into the game. Hopefully we can get the win.”
Wales have prepared for Italy with a training camp in Nice following their come-from-behind win over France. The focus has been very much on rugby but there has been plenty of downtime for the players too, with Saracens full-back Liam Williams leading the action off the field.
“I’m addicted to gin rummy,” he said. “I can’t stop playing it. We’ve been playing six or seven games a day.
“I’ve been leading the charge as when I’m with Saracens I don’t get to play it as much. When I get back with Wales I try to take some cash off the boys.
“Rob Evans thinks he’s the best, but he’s the worst! He’s down £100 or so, but he did get £20 off me. Every time we go for a coffee, the loser of that game will get the drinks. It has been a good week, but we know Italy are a tough team to play against at home.
“My missus sent me a screenshot about the record – that’s the only reason I know. Hopefully we will go out and get the win and equal it.” Gatland’s decision to rotate his squad has given plenty of players the chance to lay down a World Cup marker – chief among them England-based duo Thomas Young and Jonah Holmes.
The Wasps flanker and Leicester wing will certainly both be hungry, along with the rest of Wales’ fringe players, while Aled Davies is another with plenty to prove as he starts at scrum-half. Williams, who has three tries in four previous games against Italy, will likely be among the action again from full-back.
“I’ve been calling Jon ‘Craptain’ all week!” said Williams. “That’s just a joke between us, but he will step up to the mark to replace guys like Alun Wyn Jones. He’s already a good leader on the pitch.
“I don’t think Italy not winning for a long time is going to make a big difference to the game. We have so much competition up for grabs in each position. “It’s great for us to be able to make 10 changes looking forward to the World Cup. We will be fine.
“In the last couple of times we’ve played in Rome it’s been very tight in the first half and then we’ve pulled away in the second and won the game comfortably. We have to play for 80 minutes.
“We won’t think about the bonus point to start with. Our first job is to go out there and play well as a team, but if the opportunity to score four tries arises, we have to take it.”