Wales’ assistant coach Neil Jenkins is expecting a typically tough Italian encounter when the two sides meet in Rome tomorrow in Round Three of the 2013 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
The former Wales fly-half returns to the Stadio Olimpico, a venue Jenkins and Wales have played in just once before, back in their first Test match on Italian soil in 1996.
The visitors came out on top 31-22 in a tight match that day and Jenkins is expecting more of the same this time around.
“All of our games in Rome have been decided by very tight margins,” said Jenkins.
“Games against Italy are always very tough and I don’t see this one being any different.
“It was tight when we played out here in 1996 and I can remember it was a passionate performance from Italy and the fans were right behind them and I’m expecting the same.
“Italy had a fantastic victory here against France three weeks ago and we are expecting a very hard game.
“They have really developed their game over recent years and are also playing a pretty good off-loading game now.
“They would have been disappointed with the defeat to Scotland but we know they can play and they will want to show that tomorrow.”