Wales vs. Italy Predictions: Wales to go out in style

The opening game of the final weekend of the Six Nations sees Wales host Italy in Cardiff. We've asked our resident egg chaser Pete Marsden to preview this one. 

There’s not a massive amount to play for for either side, with Italy looking like they’re going to receive another wooden spoon. As mentioned in my other previews, Wales are in a group of three that can finish as high as third, but as low as fifth depending on the day’s results.

Italy have only beaten the Welsh twice in their history, with both results coming in Rome in the mid 2000s. Wales’ last two Six Nations games against the Italians have seen them win by 40+ points, which is something we’ll take into our tips for the game. Record cap holder Alun Wyn Jones comes back into the side for Wales, who know a bonus point victory will put pressure on Scotland and England to get a result.

As always, we’ve looked ahead to the game, and picked two tips that have tickled our fancy for the afternoon.

Touching on the point we made earlier on, we’re looking at Wales to win by 41-50 points on the day. The last two Six Nations games between these two have seen the Welsh win by 41 points and 42 points respectively, so they have good form on that front coming into the game.

Italy have lost 36 straight games in this competition, so it’s not expected that they’ll spring up any surprises here, and the Wales team will want to send the home crowd off on a high to end the tournament.

You can get the price of 9/2 with numerous bookmakers, but we’re going with Paddy Power here just for consistency.

Next up, the legendary Alun Wyn Jones. The record cap holder for his country, latest Lions captain and all round legend of the game will be making his 150th appearance for his national side.

Now this one is a bit more sentimental rather than fact based, because it’s written in the stars isn’t it? Wyn Jones is contracted with his national side until the end of 2023, but a try here could complete a special day for him and his family. He’s only scored nine tries for his country, with the last coming in 2016, but I’m backing that should come to an end on Saturday. The price of 7/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair was a lot better than the likes of 4/1 with SkyBet.

As always, enjoy the games, good luck if you’re following these bets, and please gamble responsibly.