Wales must improve significantly against Italy, warns Charvis
The Azzuri are still chasing their first win on the road since joining the Six Nations in 2000, and captain Marco Bortolami has targeted Saturday’s clash at the Millennium Stadium as the ideal opportunity to end that search.
But after a tumultuous campaign, marked by the controversial departure of head coach Mike Ruddock and comprehensive defeats to England and Ireland, Wales cannot afford to let Italy break their duck in Cardiff.
Charvis is confident Wales will rebound from their 31-5 Dublin drubbing.
“We played somewhere near our potential against Scotland, but against England and Ireland it is fair to say that not everyone had their best days ever in a red shirt.
“But it’s not exactly doom and gloom. There are things we identified in the England game and the Ireland game we are able to correct - and we have worked hard on it in training this week.”
Italy’s only successes in the tournament have been of the flash-in-the-pan variety, all at Rome’s Stadio Flaminio - against Scotland in 2000 and 2004 and Wales in 2003.
Italy came close to that first away win at Lansdowne Road last month, and have posed a stern challenge to both England and France.
Charvis said: “They have played very well this year, and it is just a matter of time before they claim that scalp away from home.”
Meanwhile, the off-field shenanigans rumble on.
The prospect of an extraordinary general meeting remains likely, despite the Welsh Rugby Union’s best attempts to appease the 245 member clubs who are upset over Ruddock’s departure.
The WRU are also trying to work out who will be Ruddock’s permanent successor.
Johnson is the players’ choice, but all indications are that he will accept a coaching role with Australia.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
