Week 2 of the Six Nations kicks off with what is already being billed as the wooden spoon decider. Wales visit the Stadio Olimpico in Rome to tackle Italy, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats last week.
Wales slumped to a 43-0 thrashing against France to extend their losing streak to 13 matches. Italy started slowly against Scotland and despite clawing their way back to 19-19 at one stage, lost 31-19.
It sets things up nicely for a huge clash in the Italian capital, with plenty on the line for both sides.
Here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s clash.
Key details:
When: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 2.15 p.m. UK
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
How to watch: You can wach live on the ITV (UK). You can also follow along with live updates on ESPN.
Officials: Referee: Matthew Carley (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (NZ) & Sam Grove-White (Sco)
Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
Lineups:
Italy: Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro (captain), Lorenzo Cannone, Martin Page-Relo, Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane, Tommaso Menoncello, Juan Ignacio Brex, Ange Capuozzo, Tommaso Allan.
Replacements: Gianmarco Lucchesi, Luca Rizzoli, Marco Riccioni, Dino Lamb, Manuel Zuliani, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Jacopo Trulla.
Wales: Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau, Tomos Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams.
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray.
Team news:
Italy: Italy have made just one change to the side that faced Scotland, with Lock Niccolo Cannone replacing Dino Lamb. There is one change to the squad of 23, with wing Jacopo Trulla named among the replacements in place of the injured Simone Gesi.
Wales: Taulupe Faletau will play his first game for Wales since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named at No. 8, replacing Aaron Wainwright, who moves to the bench after sustaining a nasty cut to the face against France. Owen Watkin sustained a leg injury in Paris, with Eddie James replacing him in the midfield.
1:07
Italy claim first-ever win over Wales
Relive three classic Six Nations games between Italy and Wales ahead of their clash at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.
Information from Reuters contributed to the team news of this report.
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