Wales go full tilt in training to prepare for physical opener

Wales have helped prepare themselves for a potentiallypunishing start to their RBS Six Nations campaign by staging two full-contact practice matches in training.

Nigel Owens, the 2015 World Cup final referee, controlled a 50-minute game last Saturday morning as Wales interim head coach Rob Howley stepped up preparations for two Tests in less than a week, with another match workout held three days later.

Italy are first up in Rome on Sunday – followed by Six Nations title holders England at the Principality Stadium six days later – and Howley knows that establishing immediate momentum is vital.

“We’ve had two hit-outs, 15 against 15, and it has been very competitive in training,” Howley said.

“It was about 50 minutes, give or take, last Saturday. With this Sunday in mind, it was important that the tempo, the accuracy and execution is what we focussed on in terms of our preparation.

“The last two weeks we have been putting foundations and blocks in place so hopefully the fundamentals are there for the next two games.

“Therehasbeenalotofenergy 0 Rob Howley: Full-contact practice ahead of Italy clash. and enthusiasm over the past two weeks, and we are excited going into Sunday.”

Howley has made five changes from the side that beat South Africa in November, including returns for scrumhalf Rhys Webb, former captain Sam Warburton at blindside flanker and prop Samson Lee.

Justin Tipuric retains the No 7 shirt, with Gloucester’s Ross Moriarty completing the back-row and Scarlets lock Jake Ball chosen as new skipper Alun Wyn Jones’ secondrow partner.

Webb features after missing most of Wales’ autumn Test series this season through injury, with Scarlets pair Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies teaming up in midfield and 86-times capped Jamie Roberts named on the bench.

Howley’s team for Rome also includes Ospreys loosehead prop Nicky Smith, who takes over from an injured Gethin Jenkins, but uncapped flankers Thomas Young and Olly Cracknell have missed out making the match-day 23, while Bath forwards Luke Charteris and Taulupe Faletau were both unavailable through injury.

“We believe this is the best team to start the tournament,” Howley added. “We are against a very competitive Italian side away from home in the Six Nations. We have gone with a lot of experience. I was just thinking back to when we have started tournaments well and achieved momentum.”