In a steadfast display of loyalty to his squad, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has opted for an unchanged starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Despite a 27-17 setback against Ireland last week and a disheartening 15-match losing streak in the tournament, Tandy is betting on consistency to turn the tide for the Welsh team.
Leading the team once again will be hooker Dewi Lake, with props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis, and second-rowers Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter solidifying the front. The back-row remains unchanged with Aaron Wainwright at number eight, flanked by James Botham and Alex Mann. The backline sees Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back, wings manned by Ellis Mee and Josh Adams, and centres Eddie James and Joe Hawkins. Veteran scrum-half Tomos Williams pairs up with Ospreys’ Dan Edwards to complete the setup.
On the bench, Tandy has introduced just one change: Blair Murray replaces Louie Hennessey as a reserve back, joining Kieran Hardy and Jarrod Evans. The forward replacements include Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, and Olly Cracknell.
"Having an unchanged team, I think it reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland,"
Tandy explained, signaling his faith in the team's recent improvements despite the results.
The coach also highlighted the physical step-up against Ireland and emphasized the need to elevate their game further.
"This week we need to go up another level. We’ve had some really good performances. I think there were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good,"
Tandy remarked, setting the stage for a critical performance in Cardiff.
As the team prepares for their final match of the Championship on home soil, the sentiment in the Welsh camp is optimistic. Tandy expressed his excitement about returning to the Principality Stadium, noting the unique energy at home games and the support from Welsh fans which has been "incredible."
Italy, currently fourth in the standings with nine points, poses a significant challenge for bottom-placed Wales, who have garnered just a single point from four matches. It's a crucial encounter for Wales as they seek to end their losing streak and salvage some pride in a tournament that has so far been fraught with challenges.
Wales team to take on Italy: Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, James Botham, Alex Mann, Ben Carter, Dafydd Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (c), Rhys Carre. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Blair Murray. Date: Saturday, March 14 Kick-off: 16:40 GMT Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Referee: Christophe Ridley (FFR) Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (RFU), E
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In a steadfast display of loyalty to his squad, Wales head coach Steve Tandy has opted for an unchanged starting lineup for the upcoming Six Nations clash against Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Despite a 27-17 setback against Ireland last week and a disheartening 15-match losing streak in the tournament, Tandy is betting on consistency to turn the tide for the Welsh team.
Leading the team once again will be hooker Dewi Lake, with props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis, and second-rowers Dafydd Jenkins and Ben Carter solidifying the front. The back-row remains unchanged with Aaron Wainwright at number eight, flanked by James Botham and Alex Mann. The backline sees Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back, wings manned by Ellis Mee and Josh Adams, and centres Eddie James and Joe Hawkins. Veteran scrum-half Tomos Williams pairs up with Ospreys’ Dan Edwards to complete the setup.
On the bench, Tandy has introduced just one change: Blair Murray replaces Louie Hennessey as a reserve back, joining Kieran Hardy and Jarrod Evans. The forward replacements include Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, and Olly Cracknell.
"Having an unchanged team, I think it reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland,"
Tandy explained, signaling his faith in the team's recent improvements despite the results.The coach also highlighted the physical step-up against Ireland and emphasized the need to elevate their game further.
"This week we need to go up another level. We’ve had some really good performances. I think there were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good,"
Tandy remarked, setting the stage for a critical performance in Cardiff.As the team prepares for their final match of the Championship on home soil, the sentiment in the Welsh camp is optimistic. Tandy expressed his excitement about returning to the Principality Stadium, noting the unique energy at home games and the support from Welsh fans which has been "incredible."
Italy, currently fourth in the standings with nine points, poses a significant challenge for bottom-placed Wales, who have garnered just a single point from four matches. It's a crucial encounter for Wales as they seek to end their losing streak and salvage some pride in a tournament that has so far been fraught with challenges.
Wales team to take on Italy:
Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, James Botham, Alex Mann, Ben Carter, Dafydd Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (c), Rhys Carre.
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Blair Murray.
Date: Saturday, March 14
Kick-off: 16:40 GMT
Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Christophe Ridley (FFR)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (RFU), E