SM
Villa vs. Man City: 9 hrs 50 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Six Nations | Group Stage
Feb 9, 2019 at 4.45pm UK
 
Italy
15-26
Wales
Steyn (34'), Padovani (75')
FT
Adams (54'), Watkin (70')

Thomas Young set for Six Nations debut in Wales' clash with Italy

:Headline: Thomas Young set for Six Nations debut in Wales' clash with Italy: ID:349412: from db_amp
The Wasps flanker has been one of the outstanding players in this season's Gallagher Premiership.

Thomas Young looks set to make his Six Nations debut for Wales in Saturday's clash against Italy.

The 26-year-old Wasps flanker, whose two previous caps were gained on tour against Tonga and Samoa in 2017, could make Wales' matchday 23 following last week's fightback victory over France.

Wales have a 31-man playing group at their Nice training base, and the likes of Young and Leicester back Jonah Holmes – a Test debutant earlier this season – might be involved in Rome.

The 24-19 win against France last Friday – secured after wiping out a 16-point interval deficit – was Wales' 10th successive victory.

And if they beat Italy for a 13th time on the bounce, it will equal Wales' all-time unbeaten record of 11 Tests set between 1907 and 1910.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his team on Thursday ahead of departure for Rome.

Young, son of Wasps rugby director and former Wales prop Dai Young, has been among the Gallagher Premiership's strongest performers this season.

And the Stadio Olimpico encounter is likely to offer him an opportunity of leaving an impression early in World Cup year.

Wasps' Thomas Young (centre) is set to make his Six Nations debut (David Davies/PA)

"He has been a consistent player," Wales assistant coach and forwards specialist Robin McBryde said.

"He is a consistent performer for Wasps every week. He's playing in a league where there are big men week-in, week-out, and the intensity is there.

"He's had several man-of-the-match awards. In defence he makes intelligent decisions of when to compete for the ball, and in attack he links up with the backs. He is doing that here as well.

"Our training is a bit different to club level – the intensity and metres covered is up – but he has dealt with it.

"It is an opportunity for anyone down here to stake a claim and make a name for themselves. If anyone gets the opportunity, they have to take it and make the most."

Wales again trained in glorious Cote d'Azur sunshine on Tuesday, and McBryde added: "It's very reminiscent of Llandudno, so I feel at home!

"It has been good to recuperate after a tough match last Friday night. You couldn't ask for better surroundings.

"But we have to be aware not to slip into holiday mode. We've got some hard work to do before Italy.

"Everybody realises the importance for the first two games and the momentum it can create by getting positive results.

"We can't rest on our laurels. Italy are a tough nut to crack, and we have areas to improve on from last Friday."

Wales battled back to secure victory in France (David Davies/PA)

Gatland is keeping selection cards close to his chest, but it would be no surprise to see changes being made in the starting XV and on the replacements' bench.

"Italy will be buoyed by the last 15 minutes when they came back strongly against Scotland (last Saturday)," McBryde said. "There wasn't a lot in the game.

"They showed how dangerous they can be in attack against Scotland. They are comfortable at lineout time, so it will be a big test for us."

amp_article__349412 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-02-05 20:27:03:
html db last update - 2019-02-05 20:27:03 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Thomas Young

Click here for more stories about Italy

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .