SM
Aston Villa vs. Chelsea: 1 hr 38 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 - 2021-02-25 15:15:23 :

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
1Arsenal34245582265677
2Manchester CityMan City33237380324876
3Liverpool35229477364175
4Aston Villa34206871502166
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd34166125251154
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle341651374551953
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham351310125665-949
9Chelsea32138116157447
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves35137154855-746
11Bournemouth34129134960-1145
12Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton331111115254-244
13Fulham35127165155-443
14Crystal Palace351010154557-1240
15Brentford3498175259-735
16Everton34118153648-1233
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3479184260-1826
18Luton TownLuton3567224877-2925
19Burnley3559213870-3224
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3537253497-6316
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.



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