Italy Aims for Historic Finish Against Wales
Italy travels to Cardiff with history on their minds, knowing that a victory over Wales could secure their best-ever Guinness Men’s Six Nations finish. The Azzurri, buoyed by their recent win over Scotland, are eager to continue their success at Principality Stadium, where they last secured a memorable victory in 2022. Despite the absence of Ange Capuozzo, Italy boasts depth in the back-three and enters the match brimming with confidence after recent strong performances.
Wales, on the other hand, has endured a challenging campaign, suffering narrow losses and heavy defeats throughout the Championship. With a youthful squad led by coach Warren Gatland, Wales aims to avoid a winless campaign and a potential Wooden Spoon finish. Additionally, the match holds significant importance as it marks the final international appearance for George North, a stalwart of Welsh rugby.
Team News:
Wales Lineup:
Starting XV:
15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Josh Adams, 13 George North, 12 Nick Tompkins, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams
1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Dillon Lewis, 4 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5 Adam Beard, 6 Alex Mann, 7 Tommy Reffell, 8 Aaron Wainwright
Replacements:
16 Evan Lloyd, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Mason Grady
Italy Lineup:
Starting XV:
15 Lorenzo Pani, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney
1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Simone Ferrari, 4 Niccolò Cannone, 5 Federico Ruzza, 6 Sebastian Negri, 7 Michele Lamaro (c), 8 Lorenzo Cannone
Replacements:
16 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Giosuè Zilocchi, 19 Andrea Zambonin, 20 Ross Vintcent, 21 Manuel Zuliani, 22 Martin Page-Relo, 23 Leonardo Marin
Key Battle: George North vs. Ignacio Brex
In his final Test appearance, George North faces Italy, a team against whom he has enjoyed significant success, scoring 11 of his 49 Test tries. Determined to bow out on a high note, North aims to reach a half-century of international tries and potentially equal Brian O’Driscoll’s all-time record for tries in the Championship. He confronts Ignacio Brex, Player of the Match for Italy against Scotland, who has been a standout performer for the Azzurri in this campaign.
What They Said:
Retiring Wales Centre George North:
“It’s not been an easy decision for me… I’ve been very fortunate to live a dream not many people get to do… I am going to use this week and Saturday to really take it all in and to live my dream again one more time.”
Italy Head Coach Gonzalo Quesada:
“We have a good opportunity, but it’s going to be a tough match in a hostile atmosphere… The pressure will be on both teams.”
Match Facts:
Italy secured their first victory in Cardiff in 17 attempts during their last visit in March 2022.
Wales has won 28 out of 32 clashes against Italy, with three losses and one draw.
Previous Results:
2023: Wales won 29-17 in Rome
2022: Italy won 22-21 in Cardiff
2021: Wales won 48-7 in Rome
2020: Wales won 38-18 in Llanelli
2020: Wales won 42-0 in Cardiff
2019: Wales won 26-15 in Rome
2018: Wales won 41-38 in Cardiff
2017: Wales won 33-7 in Rome
2016: Wales won 67-14 in Cardiff
Conclusion:
As Wales and Italy prepare for their crucial Six Nations clash, both teams are determined to secure victory for different reasons. Italy aims for their best-ever finish, while Wales seeks to avoid a winless campaign and bid farewell to George North on a high note. With intriguing matchups across the field, rugby fans can anticipate an intense battle at Principality Stadium.
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