ALL CHANGE AS GATLAND PLANS FOR JAPAN

WITH the Six Nations mountain again unscalable, Wales must now look into the distance and start plotting a route to the looming beast in the east. The result against Italy in Cardiff tomorrow — aside from being a foregone conclusion — is clearly important. Warren Gatland will want proof that he is on the right track as he plans for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. This week, perhaps more than ever, he has picked a team ready to release the shackles. In come the rapid runners — a back-row of Justin Tipuric at No 6, James Davies at No 7 and Taulupe Faletau, the new captain, at No 8 is by far the quickest and most exciting in the Championship. Moving back, there is Gareth Anscombe at fly-half, who Gatland challenged to be as ‘dangerous’ as a starter as he has been from the bench, a more adventurous pick than the excellent but steady Dan Biggar. Then 21-year-old Owen Watkin at outside centre is another exciting talent. And at the back and sides there is so much zip. Liam Williams at his Lions position of full-back where he is most dashing, Steff Evans, averaging 56 metres gained per match and with two tries, stays and then comes the lesser-spotted George North. How Wales will hope he can rediscover his form from four years ago. The giant wing has had a dreadful two years of injuries — and a dreadful week after his Northampton coach Alan Gaffney questioned his commitment. Gatland believes North is ‘hungry’ and urged him to make a ‘real impact’ tomorrow. North might move to centre next year but, for now, Wales want him smashing and crashing down the wing. Having made one positional and ten personnel changes after the 37-27 defeat to Ireland, Gatland said: ‘We are still looking at players stepping up and getting opportunities. ‘There are a couple of players across the bridge we are keeping a close eye on, as well. ‘We have consistently said that the more time we spend together, the better and more confident we feel. The exciting thing is looking forward to that period where we will have a couple of months together building up towards Japan.’