Wales Aim to Finish Six Nations on High Against Italy
In the upcoming Six Nations clash, the Wales national rugby union team will be looking to end their campaign on a high note as they face off against Italy. Despite the importance of the match within the tournament and beyond, the Welsh squad’s sole focus remains on their own performance and executing their game plan effectively.
Head coach Ioan Cunningham acknowledged the significance of the encounter, stating, “Nobody needs to tell us how important this game is for us within the tournament, or for what follows, but our focus is totally on what we need to do as a team.” He emphasized the need for his players to be more clinical in taking their opportunities, having created ample pressure and openings against France in their previous outing.
The Welsh lineup features some changes, with Hannah Bluck earning a starting berth on the wing and the experienced Lisa Neumann returning to the side. Cunningham expressed his confidence in Bluck, saying, “Hannah Bluck has trained well all through this campaign and deserves the opportunity to start against Italy.”
On the injury front, Niamh Terry could make her Six Nations debut from the bench, while a fit-again Kelsey Jones provides cover at hooker. Nel Metcalfe also returns to the squad after missing the opening round against Scotland due to injury.
For the Italian team, captain Elisa Giordano will lead the side from number eight, with Emma Stevanin returning at fly-half. Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi is named on the wing, while Beatrice Capomaggi lines up at full-back. Alyssa D’Incà has been shifted from the wing to outside centre.
Italy’s bench features a notable milestone, as Lucia Gai is set to become only the second Italian player to reach 100 caps, a record previously held solely by Sara Barattin.
The match will be officiated by Aimee Barrett-Theron of South Africa, with Sara Cox of England and Chelsea Gillespie of Scotland serving as assistant referees. Rachel Horton of Australia will take on the role of Television Match Official (TMO).
This crucial encounter between Wales and Italy promises to be a hard-fought battle, with both teams determined to end their respective Six Nations campaigns on a high note.
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