Gladiators are ready for battle

ITALY coach John Kirwan has warned Wales to prepare themselves for a gladiatorial battle this afternoon when the teams meet in the second round of Six Nations matches.

The former All Black likened Italy’s compact Flaminio stadium to the Colosseum.

“Wales are a strong side who have grown in confidence since beating us in the World Cup in 2003 and the Six Nations last year. But they must come to our Colosseum where we will have a big crowd behind us.”