Former Wales fly-half Barry John has warned his countrymen to keep their focus on Italy tomorrow rather than worrying about spoiling England’s Grand Slam ambitions.
England could find themselves heading to the Millennium Stadium on the final weekend of the Six Nations bidding for their first Grand Slam in a decade, which would only help the Welsh to raise their game.
John, 68, said: “People are already talking about the prospect of England coming to Cardiff on March 16 going for the Grand Slam and Wales aiming for the championship.
“What a dream that would be and, even now, I am salivating at the prospect. But for Wales to honour their part of the contract, they must not take their eye off the ball beforehand.”
In a quest to do that, Wales interim coach Rob Howley has named the same starting line-up that stunned France in Paris, although he has overhauled a replacements’ bench so that it now oozes experience.
Among those waiting to come on at the Stadio Olimpico will be Sam Warburton, who began the championship as captain but has been replaced by Ryan Jones despite recovering from a shoulder injury, and Alun Wyn Jones, who returns to the matchday 23 for the first time since November.
After a poor start to the championship against Ireland, Wales have since looked confident and wing Alex Cuthbert believes they could yet pull off a championship defence.
“It is a realistic target,” he said. “But what is important for us is not to look beyond Italy. We have to back up the victory over France and give ourselves momentum going into the final two rounds.”
Marriott Hotels and Resorts, Official Partner to England Rugby, is giving away a two-night break in Europe every time England score a try in the RBS Six Nations. Go to facebook.com/MarriottHotelsUK for more details.
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