Taylor prepares

The Wales centre knows Italy will be full of confidence from their victory over Scotland and their recent brave showings away to both Ireland and France in the Championship, but he insists Wales will be on guard after their shock defeat in Rome a year ago.
 
“Italy are a very tough team to play against and this is probably the best side they have had since entering the RBS Six Nations,” said Taylor. “They have beaten Scotland and been very competitive in their other games, no one has blown them away.

“So I think they will come to Cardiff with an awful lot of confidence from their performances in Paris and Dublin and perhaps will fancy their chances of winning. We all remember Rome last season and how bad everyone felt after that defeat so we will not take anything for granted.”

Similarly, Wales have also been encouraged by their recent displays, in particular last Saturday’s in their 31-21 loss against World Champions England at Twickenham.

“I think we played really well but in the end England’s set piece managed to exert control on the game,” said Taylor. “Saying that, I think our forwards had one of their best games in open play.

“A lot has been made of the style we’re trying play but that all stems from the contribution made by the forwards who make the first break.”