Guernsey Press

The main talking points as Wales look to end autumn campaign on a high

Italy visit Llanelli on Saturday desperate to end a 14-game losing run against Wales.

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Wales complete their Autumn Nations Cup schedule when they tackle Italy in Llanelli on Saturday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the key talking points heading into the game.

Wales need a professional Italian job

George North – a centre of attention

Wales wing North will make a 98th appearance for his country this weekend, but only the sixth time as a starting centre. Despite his vast experience and renowned try-scoring ability, North has yet to start an Autumn Nations Cup game, featuring off the bench against Ireland and not being involved at all when Wales tackled Georgia and England. He has unquestionably lost ground on fellow wings Josh Adams and Louis Rees-Zammit, and he now gains an opportunity in midfield alongside impressive newcomer Johnny Williams. A big performance is required.

The Six Nations looms large

Wales v Georgia – Autumn Nations Cup – Parc y Scarlets
James Botham has shone for Wales during the autumn campaign (David Davies/PA)

Callum Sheedy looks the real deal

He might only be three games into a Test career that began just three weeks ago, but Bristol fly-half Sheedy performs like a seasoned veteran on and off the pitch. After guiding his club to the Gallagher Premiership play-offs and a European Challenge Cup final triumph last season, Sheedy has carried that form into the international arena and appears a long-term Wales successor to 31-year-old Dan Biggar. Confident and accomplished on the pitch, affable and engaging off it, there is nothing not to like about him.

Italy’s Welsh connection

Stephen Varney file photo
Italy scrum-half Stephen Varney in action for Gloucester (Adam Davy/PA)
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