Wales declare war after Italy win roof battle

The reaction of the host nation's confident coach? A casual shrug. He had wanted his players to be guaranteed a dry surface, but he was not about to lose any sleep over bad weather.

If the Azzurri are in favour of a wet and wild contest, no problem. Italy are desperate to turn this RBS Six Nations match into a forward-dominated arm-wrestle.

Nick Mallett's men want to stop the home side playing to their expansive strengths. Wales are in no doubt about what to expect.

Gatland said: 'It is going to be warfare out there. It will be really tough and physical.

'The Italians probably feel they have the experience to dominate us at scrum time, around the fringes and in driving play. We have put a huge amount of emphasis on making sure our defence is strong.'

In the first two weeks of the championship, the Italians went close to pulling off an upset against Ireland in Dublin, then nearly ambushed England at the Stadio Flaminio.

Both results were put down to their opponents' ineptitude, but Gatland feels that does today's visitors a disservice.

'People have talked about the poor performances of Ireland and England, but let's start giving the Italians some credit,' he said.

'Let's expect them to start finishing higher up the table. How many years did it take France before they managed to compete well in what was the Five Nations?'

Gatland insisted that, within the Wales squad, minds have not been allowed to wander ahead to the next match — the Triple Crown decider with Ireland in Dublin, which is regarded as the pivotal game of the campaign.

The Kiwi would not allow his players to get ahead of themselves, partly due to the presence in the opposition corner of Mallett.

'I have a huge amount of respect for what he has achieved in rugby,' said Gatland.

Wales face a similar challenge to the one posed by Scotland two weeks ago. Like Frank Hadden's team, Italy can wheel out an imposing pack.

Mallett has as many dynamic, world-class forwards at his disposal as any other coach in the championship. The front five are a monstrous unit.

If Dragons prop Rhys Thomas can keep his head above water against mighty Toulouse loosehead Salvatore Perugini, he will have earned his Test stripes and surely paved the way for victory.

Further back, Italy captain Sergio Parisse has been a rampaging presence in the two matches so far and his industry will be matched by Stade Francais team-mate Mauro Bergamasco.

Martyn Williams could have his hands full at the breakdown, hence Gatland's declarations of concern about allegedly illegal Italian antics.

Yet, for all the menace of their pack, Italy, like Scotland, do not possess the back line to take advantage by running in tries.

They can bake a cake with ease, but struggle to apply the icing. At full strength they would be toothless in comparison to their Welsh counterparts, and injuries have further hampered them.

Mallett has been forced to rejig his back three and has chosen to soldier on with the flaky Andrea Masi at fly half.

More than ever, Italy will rely on the midfield pair of Mirco Bergamasco and Gonzalo Canale for any cutting edge.

Given parity of possession, Wales ought to have the visitors on toast.

Having experienced Lions Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones together at half back, with Mike Phillips and James Hook straining at the leash on the bench, the hosts have nous and flair to spare.

With the return of Mark Jones adding to an already potent cocktail behind the scrum, this should be a mis-match in terms of attacking capabilities.

WALES: Byrne; M Jones, Shanklin, Henson, S Williams; S Jones, Peel; Jenkins, Rees, R Thomas; Gough, Evans; J Thomas, R Jones (capt), M Williams. Subs: Bennett, Duncan Jones, Deiniol Jones, Delve, Phillips, Hook, Parker.

ITALY: Marcato; Sgarbi, Canale, Mirco Bergamasco, Galon; Masi, Picone; Perugini, Ghiraldini, Castrogiovanni; Dellape, del Fava; Sole, Parisse (capt), Mauro Bergamasco. Subs: Festuccia, lo Cicero, Bortolami, Zanni, Pietro Travagli, Buso, Patrizio.

Referee: Dave Pearson (Eng).

TV: BBC1 2.30pm (kick-off 3.0).

DAWSON'S VERDICT

I get the impression that Wales have had a quieter week. Everything has calmed down a bit since that win over England and the coaches will be pleased to have an opportunity to introduce Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones.

Those two are clearly desperate to be involved. I think they'll run the show and Wales could run away with it, to win by about 20 points.