Italy brace themselves for the red tide of Wales

The big fish in the Six Nations pond will take on the minnows in the first match-up of Round 4. Alun Wyn Jones’ charges travel to Rome for what they hope will be another successful outing.

After the struggles of last year, Wales have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps in 2021 and now find themselves in the enviable position of perching atop the log with 3 wins from as many encounters.

They kicked off their campaign with a 21-16 victory over the Irish in Round 1 and were blessed with what could be described as a stroke of luck when Ireland bruiser Peter O’Mahony was issued a red card just thirteen minutes into the game when his team were looking strong. Through focus and a numerical advantage, the Welsh clawed their way to victory, setting a decent platform from which they could launch an assault on the remainder of the competition.

In Round 2, Wales faced the high-flying Scots after the latter's celebrated defeat of England at Twickenham – the first time they had managed such a feat in 38 years. An expectantly tough encounter ensued but it was the men in red who prevailed once again – albeit only just – with a 25-24 score line. It was of significant help to their cause that Scottish tighthead prop Zander Ferguson was red-carded after a dangerous clean-out at a ruck, but a win, as they say, is a win.

Most recently, Wales’ most dramatic match-up in the current competition saw them over-power Eddie Jones’ England 40-24 in Cardiff. The game was not without controversy with some questionable calls by referee Pascal Gauzere inflicting some sizable wounds in the English unit, but the Welsh played an inspired game and took the win along with the Triple Crown as well.

There have been calls in recent years for the Six Nations management to strongly consider the relegation of Italy from the competition and, unfortunately, head coach Franco Smith’s men have not done their cause much good so far in 2021.

Their first fixture saw them flayed by France (50-10) in Rome and then fact that they were playing one of the top teams in the world at the moment did little to mitigate a poor overall display.

In Round 2, it was a hurting England who were unleashed on the Azzurri and the former took out their frustrations of Round 1 on their hapless opponents, leaving Rome with 5 points in the bag and a score of 41-18.

Then, last week, things did not improve as the Irish stamped their authority down hard with a 48-10 drubbing of the men in blue.

It would be a brave soul who puts money on an Italian victory this weekend. As always, the game will be decided up front and the Welsh pack have proven themselves to be a formidable unit; inspired by the fearless captaincy of the now most capped test match player of all time, Alun Wyn Jones, Wales’ forwards have fulfilled their duties with courage and gusto.

In the backline, the experience and competency of Dan Biggar mixed with the flair, speed and power of his backs has made for some thrilling rugby.

Smith’s troops will have to brace themselves for a supreme effort if they are to challenge the red tide which approaches. They will be playing for nothing but pride as they are, unfortunately, way out of contention as far as the title is concerned.

Wales, on the other hand, are enjoying a 5-point cushion at the top of the log but, rest assured, they will be taking no chances in this penultimate round and will travel to Rome with the vivid goal of leaving the ancient city with a 5-point haul, the achievement of which will allow them one hand on the trophy.