Match Previews 
/ Stuart Jones / 24 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
James Hook moves back in to the centre for the trip to Rome
Wales picked up their first win in eight games when seeing off Scotland a fortnight ago and they will fancy their chances of making it two on the bounce when they travel to Rome, writes Stuart Jones.
There's no doubting that Wales' win over Scotland win will have done wonders for the confidence of a side that had been seen as potential wooden-spooners going into the game, but it is very questionable what they actually achieved in defeating a Scottish side that were, to put it kindly, utterly clueless.
Wales did play with a good deal more cohesion than in their opening game against England, the decision to switch James Hook to fly-half paying dividends as their backline was far more dangerous, his distribution enabling Roberts and Davies to get over the gain line consistently.
Unfortunately for Warren Gatland's men, injury to Jonathan Davies means it's all change in the backs, with Stephen Jones back in the number ten jersey and Hook switched to outside centre. Given how well things worked in Edinburgh, it's hard to believe that Jones would have regained his place but for Davies's setback.
After losing out in the dying minutes to Ireland in week one, Italy failed miserably to back up that encouraging performance at Twickenham a week later, chasing shadows for most of the 80 minutes as they slumped to a 59-13 defeat.
Coach Nick Mallet will have read the riot act to his players after such a comprehensive defeat and being back home in Rome is a considerable boost to a team that struggles on the road.
The Italians excel in just about every area their Welsh counterparts don't, and if they are to pull off a shock then they have to ensure their set piece is as dominant as it should be.
The Azzuri uncharacteristically lost nine of their own lineouts at Twickenham, and not giving away such cheap possession this weekend must be close to the top of their list of priorities.
Although Italy remain a side that struggles to convert chances out wide, they are organised and strong enough up front to grind Wales down. The worry is that their backline defence is not up to stopping the more clinical Welsh backs. Wales may stutter and stumble in the tight areas, but a couple of moments of magic from the likes of Hook or Williams may well see them over the line.
For this reason I am taking Wales to win by 1-12 points as I expect the Welsh attack to win them the game, but cannot see them managing to break clear of a hard working Italian side.
Recommend bet:
Wales to win by between 1-12 pts @ [2.58]
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Wales picked up their first win in eight games when seeing off Scotland a fortnight ago and they will fancy their chances of making it two on the bounce when they travel to Rome, writes Stuart Jones....
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