Six Nations: Italy v Wales tips, betting preview and match details

TV: ITV & S4C, 4.45pm Saturday

Wales forced themselves into the Six Nations title reckoning with their 24-19 victory over France in Paris in the opening round, but the build-up to their next fixture against Italy in Rome suggests World Cup preparations are equally at the front of coach Warren Gatland's mind.

It had already been announced that after Friday's Stade de France showdown the players would spend the week in Nice and then move on to Rome, rather than return home, in order to replicate World Cup conditions.

• Italy v Wales match hub

And Gatland's team announcement this week turned out to be another nod to the big show in the autumn as he made ten changes to a winning side.

Dan Biggar starts at fly-half having come off the bench in Paris, captain Alun-Wyn Jones is among the replacements, Josh Navidi switches to number eight where Taulupe Faletau is still missing, while there are Six Nations debuts for winger Jonah Holmes and flanker Thomas Young.

Wales had been 24-point favourites at the start of the week but a few points have been shaved off that line given the new-look side.

Nonetheless even a much-changed team could do plenty of damage in Rome if Italy fail to find the defensive shape and solidity they lacked against Scotland last week.

The Azzurri were trailing by five tries to none with ten minutes to play at Murrayfield before a sin-binning gave them a man advantage over a team in no danger of losing. Three late tries made the scoreline seem respectable but Italy had created nothing of note until that stage.

Italy get a lift from playing at home and the atmosphere for their first outing in Rome is sure to be spirited. And given the many changes to the side, Wales could be slow into their stride, while the inevitable emptying of the bench in the second half may also hamper their fluency.

Wales look good for a comfortable win although a high-scoring blowout looks unlikely, and a winning score of 11 to 20 points looks the best bet.

Recommendation
Wales to win by 11 to 20 points
2pts 11-4 Betfair, Paddy Power

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