Predicted Wales team for Italy

It might come as no surprise that the Celtic Warriors coach favours his own player above No 10 rival Stephen Jones.

But Howells believes that Sweeney combines better with inside centre Iestyn Harris, who has been hugely impressive in his two World Cup games so far.

"Ceri is full of confidence, willing to play flat and play in people's faces and that gives a lot more room to Iestyn to play outside him - which is a little bit different to Stephen," Howells said.

Sweeney and Harris played a major part in Wales' opening 41-10 victory over Canada, while the midfield balance appeared lacking when Jones took over at fly-half in the narrow win over Tonga

"Stephen is an old campaigner and I'm sure that one-off game against Tonga didn't show the quality that he has got," Howells added.

On the performance of the last two games you would pick Ceri Lynn Howells

"But I will say that Ceri is an exciting player, he's a good player to have in your side and if I had to come down on one person's side it would be Ceri.

"On the performance of the last two games you would pick Ceri to start against Italy."

However, if the Wales pack can't provide a decent platform against the impressive Azzurri forwards, it will matter little who Hansen opts for.

Tonga coach Jim Love and Canada counterpart Dave Clark have both said that the Welsh eight aren't as physical as the Italy pack and must raise their game.

Shanklin gets nasty

Wales have been helped by a string of Italian injuries, with Italy coach John Kirwan furious at a schedule that forced them to play on Tuesday while Wales had three more days' rest.

Wing Mirco Bergamsco (fractured cheekbone) and lock Marco Bortolami (dislocated shoulder) are likely to miss the remainder of the tournament.

There are also doubts over whether centre Andrea Masi (bruised hip) and scrum-half Alessandro Troncon (shoulder) will be fit to face Wales.