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What was previously a "gimme" fixture for most teams since the inception of the 6 Nations, Rome was more about cannolis and gelato's than the result itself.
A foregone conclusion that most travelling sides would consider a formality on the way to their title run - but those days are over!
The Azzurri these past few years have been a formidable opponent for most if not all participations in the 6 Nations - last year (if not for a wobbly kicking tee) should've pipped France to a famous victory.
The same can't be said for Wales - in fact, the opposite is true.
6 Nations Grand Slam and Championship regulars now looking down the barrell of a 500 day dry spell of International victories.
More changes in the midfield for Wales in what was a shambolic performance against the french sees Eddie James come in for the injured Owen Watkin (Yes Gloucester Fans...we know). He joins Tomkins who has simply not been up to standard at International level for some time.
They find themselves up against arguably two of the best centres in World Rugby - Juan Ignacio Brex enjoying a Finntercept try last week and Tommaso Menoncello being sensational whenever he gets hands on ball.
One saving grace for Wales will be the return of Taulupe Faletau - a surviving member of a golden generation walks straight back in to the 8 jersey after a savage run of injuries. A team with Taulupe Faletau in it is just simply better than it was before and I hope for rugby's sake that he gets a clean run of injuries.
Him and the excellent Jac Morgan will be faced with another 80 minutes of blunt force trauma from an Italian back row that continue to impress. Seb Negri a relentless battering ram in attack and defense.
Rumours are that Liam Williams will be ruled our pre-game which could ignite a kicking battle with some excellent kick-chasers in the backline.
Italy will love to make it 3 on the bounce against Wales and Wales simply must start winning or they might not let Gatland back across the M4 - will be a mouthwatering affair.
The bookies will have Italy but the desperation for a Welsh win might just see them sneak a win.
My Prediction Wales by 6
| # | Team | PL | W | L | D | PD | BP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  France | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 1 | 05 |
| 2 |  Scotland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 05 |
| 3 |  Ireland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 05 |
| 4 |  England | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -5 | 1 | 01 |
| 5 |  Italy | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -12 | 0 | 00 |
| 6 |  Wales | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -43 | 0 | 00 |
Italy Starting XV Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera, Simone Ferrari, Niccolo Cannone, Federico Ruzza, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, Lorenzo Cannone, Martin Page-Relo, Paolo Garbisi, Monty Ioane, Tommaso Menoncello, Nacho Brex, Ange Capuozzo, Tommaso Allan
Italy Replacements Gianmarco Lucchesi, Luca Rizzoli, Marco Riccioni, Dino Lamb, Manuel Zuliani, Ross Vintcent, Alessandro Garbisi, Jacopo Trulla
Wales Starting XV Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Taulupe Faletau, Tomos Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams, Eddie James, Nick Tompkins, Tom Rogers, Liam Williams
Wales Replacements Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray
