Howley wants Welsh to break record

Rob Howley has urged Wales’ players to “create their own history” and eclipse an unbeaten run that has stood for 20 years.

Victory over Guinness Six Nations opponents Italy in Rome on Saturday would see Wales equal their all-time winning sequence of 11 Tests set between 1907 and 1910.

It would also take them past the ten-game undefeated run of 1999, when Howley was Wales captain. Wales have not lost since Ireland toppled them at the midway point of last season’s Six Nations, accounting for France (twice), South Africa (twice), Argentina (twice), Australia, Scotland, Italy and Tonga since then.

“That [1999] run is something I look back on with fond memories,” Wales assistant coach Howley said. “But I want the record to be broken by the current players, and for them to create their own history and build their own confidence for the World Cup and what is a huge year.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland is expected to make a number of changes from the side that beat France in Paris last Friday. It is understood Jonathan Davies will captain Wales for the first time, with regular skipper Alun Wyn Jones on the bench. Owen Watkin looks set to partner Davies in midfield.

There might also be opportunities for the likes of prop Wyn Jones and flankers Aaron Wainwright and Thomas Young as Wales target a win that could take them top of the championship.