Tandy urges Wales to raise level in Six Nations clash against Italy / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP/File
Tandy urges Wales to raise level in Six Nations clash against Italy
Wales coach Steve Tandy urged his players to "go up another level" after naming an unchanged team for their Six Nations finale against Italy as they seek to end a painful losing streak.
The Welsh go into Saturday's last round bottom of the table and on a run of 15 successive defeats in the tournament since beating Italy in March 2023.
But they pushed Ireland hard in Dublin last week and were within one score of their hosts until the final minutes, before eventually losing 27-17.
"Having an unchanged team, I think it reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland," Tandy said on Thursday.
"This week we need to go up another level. Against Ireland we stepped up to the plate physically. Now it's putting it all together and creating our best performance this weekend."
In the only change from the Wales 23 at Lansdowne Road, Scarlets full-back Blair Murray is named on the bench in place of Bath wing Louie Hennessey.
"That decision is based on how we feel the game might go and it might break open as time goes on," Tandy said. "Blair brings a real attacking threat but also gives us cover across the back three."
Wales were thumped 48-7 by England at Twickenham in their Six Nations opener before being crushed 54-12 by defending champions France in Cardiff.
But there were positive signs against Scotland during a game in which they led until late on before a narrow 26-23 defeat and they made things tough for Ireland.
"I don't think it's about turning a corner against Ireland because I think there have been steps in every game since England," said Tandy.
"We were nowhere near where we wanted to be in that game but late on against France, then against Scotland and again against Ireland there have been very clear signs of improvement, learning and growth.
"Now we need to turn that into a win."
Wales have not won a home match in the Six Nations since beating Scotland in February 2022 despite passionate home support under the closed roof of the 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium.
"For the team and myself, going back to Principality Stadium is amazing," said Tandy.
"The boys did really well creating their own energy against Ireland, but there's nothing better (than being at home)."
Wales face an Italy side seeking to win three matches in a single Six Nations for the first time.
The Azzurri, due to name their team later on Thursday, will arrive in Cardiff following their first-ever victory against England.
Wales (15-1)
Louis Rees-Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, James Botham, Alex Mann; Ben Carter, Dafydd Jenkins; Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (capt), Rhys Carre
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Blair Murray
Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)
H.Schmidt--VZ
