TWO VALE rugby players have been selected for Wales’ wooden spoon decider against Italy tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff.
Former Penarth back row Evan Lloyd and ex-Barry RFC player Mason Grady have been named as replacements in the showdown at the Principality Stadium.
Both Lloyd and Grady featured in last Sunday’s 45-24 defeat to France, with Lloyd making his debut after a late call-up to replace Ryan Elias who was withdrawn due to injury.
Cardiff-born Grady has featured in all four Six Nations matches and is set to earn his 11th cap if he comes off the bench tomorrow.
Wales are looking to avoid finishing bottom of the table and suffering a first Six Nations whitewash since 2003.
Warren Gatland has never lost to Italy as Wales' boss, and a win against the Azzurri would see them avoid picking up the dreaded wooden spoon.
Gatland said: “This is an important game for us. We don’t want to finish bottom and the squad is hungry to win.
“Italy has quality players throughout the side and have been good at taking opportunities when they get them to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
“We're excited and will step up and welcome the challenge ahead. We’re still looking for that 80-minute performance and have spoken about needing to be better in the big moments especially.
“We understand that external pressure and expectation comes with international rugby. It’s about embracing that, continuing the hard work, and fronting up in training to go out there and be accurate and disciplined on Saturday.”
The match on Saturday, March 16 will kick off at 2.15 pm and will be live on BBC and S4C.
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