Italian injuries may hurt Ireland’s title chances

As Ireland announced a clean bill of health for their game against Scotland yesterday, Wales and particularly Italy, who play each other in the early game on Saturday, have several injury concerns.

With the points difference between sides promising to be decisive, Italian injuries could incentivise Wales to aim for a 50-point margin. Captain Sergio Parisse, as well as Matias Aguero and outhalf Tommaso Allan all limped off against France.

Parisse departed with suspected ligament damage in his right foot but it is not as serious as first thought, while Allan and Aguero were forced off in the opening half with suspected thigh and rib injuries respectively.

Welsh prop Samson Lee is out while loosehead Rhys Gill returns amid concerns over prop Gethin Jenkins, (hamstring). Hooker Richard Hibbard is also undergoing concussion protocols.