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.”

Kirwan challenged his players to improve on their gallant performance at home to tournament favourites Ireland last week, which ended in a 28-17 defeat but underlined their continuing improvement.

Italy would have run Ireland closer had fly-half Luciano Orquera not missed three penalties and a drop goal. As a result of his wayward performance, Kirwan handed the kicking duties to Roland De Marigny in the second-half and has decided to stick with the South African-born full-back for today’s 25,000 sell-out.

Wales will be brimming with confidence after beating England, but their coach Mike Ruddock has warned his players they can ill afford to rest on their laurels.

Centre Walter Pozzebon replaces Gonzalo Canale, who dislocated his left shoulder during training on Wednesday. For Wales Dafydd Jones is replaced by Jonathan Thomas.