 Howells feels Wales have become too predictable |
Ex-Wales, Warriors, Cardiff and Pontypridd coach Lynn Howells says Wales must reconsider their all-action game plan if they are to beat Italy. Howells, now coaching Italian club Leonessa, says the Grand Slam champions have become too predictable.
"There's a very positive feeling in Italy that they will beat Wales in Cardiff on Saturday," said Howells.
"If Wales keep doing the same type of thing their game plan will be worked out and it can be defended so easily."
 |  Nobody has kicked to the corners and tried to play in their 22 |
The Azzurri have won widespread praise for their performances in the Six Nations this season.
Although they have lost all three games, they have led in the second half against Ireland, England and France.
But Howells feels a sensible approach can expose the chinks in the Italian game.
"Everyone's tried to run at them, nobody has kicked to the corners and tried to play in their 22," Howells told BBC Sport Wales.
"But they have a centre [Cristian Stoica] at full-back, a scrum-half [Pablo Canavosio] on one wing and a youngster [Ludovico Nitoglia] on the other.
"If Wales exploit that, have a big set piece and play physically at the contact area, they will be fine."
| Wales were far too lateral against England and Ireland, they've admitted that |
Ex-Wales captain Jonathan Davies agreed with Howells' assessment.
"Italy have improved their discipline dramatically, they don't give away so many penalties and are difficult to score against," Davies told BBC Sport Wales.
"Their pack is the strength, although they have creativity behind with Ramiro Pez and Gonzalo Canale.
"They will come in with all guns blazing up front and try to batter Wales into submission, but Scott Johnson's side should have too much footballing ability for them.
"Providing he is fit, Stephen Jones will dominate tactics and dictate where the game is played - that will have an effect on the Italian mentality.
"Wales were far too lateral against England and Ireland, they've admitted that.
"They shipped on rubbish ball and put themselves under pressure.
"But I think the experienced Welsh players will turn up against Italy. The big ball carriers will take it on and we'll see Michael Owen putting in the deft touches and using space.
"Dwayne Peel has been in outstanding form and his sniping will raise the tempo of the game.
"The Italians aren't used to that, and if Peel injects that pace something will give."
MMIX
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