Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas has insisted that his team-mates will not be looking past Italy in the RBS Six Nations.
Wales flanker wary of threat posed by Azzurri
Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas has insisted that his team-mates will not be looking past Italy in the RBS Six Nations.
Back-to-back wins over England and Scotland has seen a new life breathed back into Welsh rugby after it was left reeling from their World Cup disappointments.
However, although new coach Warren Gatland has revitalised the Dragons, Thomas is refusing to get carried - especially given the fact Italy beat Wales in Rome last season.
In fact the Azzurri also record an 18-18 draw on their last visit to Cardiff, while under Nick Mallett they have gone agonisingly close to beating both Ireland and England this season.
And Thomas admitted: "Maybe in the past there was a danger that you would look further than Italy, especially with the fact we have this game against have Ireland for the Triple Crown to come.
Danger
"But the biggest danger for us would be to look past Italy. They have caused us problems in the last two years and it would be hugely disrespectful not to focus on this game.
"It is something that won't happen. The boys know how tough it will be.
"The two games they have played so far they more than acquitted themselves up front. They pride themselves on their scrum and have a decent lineout. They are a tight-knit bunch.
"They have improved every year since they joined the Six Nations and it is important we go into the game with a real clinical edge and stamp our authority on the game."
