Two sides on different recent trajectories meet with Steve Tandy finding cause for optimism despite another wooden spoon looming
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hich is the sharper motivator, the avoidance of fresh humiliation or the attainment of new heights? Cardiff could be the place this weekend for any students of psychology more interested in such nuances than anything so obvious as an actual attempt to win the title.
Suffice to say, neither Wales nor Italy can win the Six Nations this weekend, nor exert any influence on its outcome. It is mathematically possible for Wales to knock England into last place for the first time in the extended championship’s history, but students of mathematics needn’t bother. For the record, Wales would need to win with a bonus point and, in concert with France, who play England, cover their current deficit of 100 in points difference.
Italy have more chance of finishing in the top three for the first time, but it remains a long shot. They would have to win with a bonus point to have a chance of overhauling Ireland in third, while covering a deficit of 40 in points difference. If Ireland pick up so much as a bonus point against Scotland in Dublin in the first match of the day, that dream will be over.
