Changes not disrespectful says O’shea
Italy coach Conor O’shea has dismissed any notion that Wales have been disrespectful by making ten changes for tomorrow’s Natwest Six Nations clash.
Former Azzurri scrumhalf Paul Griffen told the BBC that Wales’ line-up would be seen in Italy as being disrespectful. But Italy boss O’shea gave that verdict short shrift.
He said: “They are not being disrespectful. Warren [Gatland, Wales’ head coach] is obviously looking to the future, and we are both at different stages.
“You have to start somewhere. Scotland had to do it, and the results Scotland are having now isn’t about one coach coming in, it’s about people five, six or seven years ago doing what’s right.
“That’s what we are doing. If you look at some of the young players we are blooding, it’s promising.
“I know he [Gatland] is trying to evolve his depth, but if you are bringing the likes of [George] North and [Taulupe] Faletau in and putting Liam Williams to full back, it’s a pretty good place to be.”
Italy’s only starting change sees centre Giulio Bisegni replace Tommaso Boni.
Wales assistant coach Rob Howley welcomed the return of wing North, who has scored six tries in seven games against Italy.
It will be North’s first Wales start since the final game of last season’s Six Nations and comes after he missed Northampton’s game against Sale Sharks last weekend.north had been released by Wales as it was a Six Nations fallow week, but he did not feature for Saints amid reports he had an arrangement that he would not play on rest weekends. But Howley said: “He has been absolutely fine. If you look at his body language over the last couple of weeks against Ireland and England, he has done really well and deserves his start.
“Many would be surprised he started on the bench. For George to be on the bench, it shows how well Steff Evans had been doing. He [North] has been brilliant in training as he always has.”