Wales V Italy

Italy have done very well in their two matches to date but a lot of it was to do with the quality of the opposition. On both occasions I think that both Ireland and then England underestimated the Italians and though they were beaten twice they did bring some respectability to their game. The Italians won’t win over too many fans with their physical approach to things but it is effective. More or less stopping the other team play free flowing rugby and putting in some mammoth hits. Italy coach Nick Mallett has made several changes to his team and has brought in Andrea Marcato in place of David Bortolussi, who is out with a shoulder problem. Canavosio and Robertson are injured while Andrea Lo Cicero has dropped to the bench. Marco Bortolami returns as a replacement.

Wales have two wins to their name but its hard to judge them just yet as they beat an England side that fell apart and a Scotland side who look like they will be happy just to avoid the wooden spoon. James Hook has been in fantastic kicking form and is proving to be very reliable from set pieces. Warren Gatland has made several changes to the side that beat Scotland naming a whole new front row, with Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas and hooker Matthew Rees all making their first starts this season. Mark Jones returns to the wing instead of Jamie Roberts and Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel will start in the half-backs.

Wales lost in Rome last season and having viewed the two Italian games so far will not be taking their challenge lightly at all. As things stand it looks like Wales will be the team to challenge France for the title and they should win today, the question is by how much? The bookies look to have got it fairly accurate with the 13 – 14 point line but I think that if Wales can play the free flowing stuff that they are capable of then they should be able to cover the spread, if only just. Kicking may be crucial to our bet today but with Hook on his own patch and in form, I feel we have a huge advantage. small stakes for me

Pick : Wales - 13 points
Odds : 2.00
Stake : 5 / 10
Bookmaker : Bet365
Match Result : 47-8
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