Wales 26 – 15 Italy
The headlines before the game were talking about the 10 changes that coach Warren Gatland had made to the team that beat France a week ago, the conversation was about how effective Wales would be at imposing a game plan on Italy with so much disruption. Those fears were rather justified. Wales struggled to get going and struggled generally across the game to put a fierce Italian team away.
I feel bad moaning as Wales scored almost double the points and have equalled their record 11 wins in a row, but when you look at how England demolished France in the first half of their game I was left feeling rather jealous. Wales and England go on to face each other on the 23rd Feb 2019, England will be seeing themselves as favourites. They are looking incredibly strong, they beat Ireland through sheer muscle power, and beat France with tactical perfection. It’s no surprise that Wales will have to improve to face them.
Against Italy the backs were nonthreatening and the lineout was garbage, facets that will need to be corrected, and probably will be. Dan Biggar, the saviour a week ago against France, didn’t do himself many favours to be picked against England. Though I have a feeling his defensive strength and aerial imperiousness may just edge him ahead of Anscombe. Wales need to be accurate and strong. It’s so frustrating that the politics surrounding Welsh rugby is keeping Rhys Webb out of the number 9 jersey. In an area where Wales is struggling, having his lethality, bravery and pace really lifts the tempo, a key component of their game plan. Aled Davies, when he did get quick ball, looked hesitant and lethargic, only for a few seconds but that’s all it takes for international level defences to reset.
Gatland is often proven correct in the long run and did lots of good things, players were itching for a chance to play and Gatland offered it to them, trusting them to get the job done. Strength in depth is the best it has ever been and lets not forget that at the end of the season there awaits the World Cup, where depth is absolutely vital. It is, however, a mark of how much we expect from Wales to be disappointed with this game. You get the feeling England and Ireland are going to demolish Italy, and bonus points could be crucial in the context of the tournament. It could be possible that Gatland isn’t focused on winning the Six Nations but focused on the World Cup, the one trophy that has eluded him thus far in his successful career.
CodexCaster's Contribution 