Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, March 7.
Jenkins identifies future No. 10 who can emulate Dan Carter
Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins believes young centre Joe Hawkins "without a doubt" has a future at fly-half and could emulate Dan Carter's positional change.
The young Osprey, 20, has been a positive during the Six Nations so far despite Wales' winless run.
Asked about youngsters like Hawkins and Cardiff centre Mason Grady, Jenkins said: "They’ve been excellent, there is no doubting that. There’s those two, Rio [Dyer], Zam [Louis Rees-Zammit]. There is some fantastic young talent in our squad at this moment in time.
"Joe is a fantastic player with his skill, scanning and understanding. He’s comfortable on the ball and has a good kicking aspect to his game. He’s got tonnes of talent. He’s a big man and physically very good with his offloads. He understands the game as well. They’ve been excellent so far and hopefully they keep improving."
As for a potential switch to No. 10 for Hawkins later down the line, Jenkins said: "Yeah without doubt. I’ve said this in the past. I think he’s a fantastic talent. Dan Carter played a lot of his early career at 12 and then moved to 10 and I think Joe might probably be similar in that. He’s obviously a fantastic 12 at this moment in time.
"There is no doubt he can easily be a 10 in time. He’s working hard on his goal kicking and he’s got some good guys to be around in this group. He sees how hard they work."
'Wales need to be at full tilt'
While Wales have won their last seven Tests against Italy in Rome, the overall Six Nations record there shows two defeats (2003 and 2007), and the Azzurri famously claimed a last-gasp Principality Stadium victory 12 months ago. Italy also continue to show significant improvement under head coach Kieran Crowley, producing some outstanding rugby - albeit in defeat - against France, England and Ireland.
"They are playing a certain style of rugby that is exciting to watch, but can also put you under the pump, under pressure," Jenkins added. "We've watched the games already in the Six Nations with France, England and Ireland - quality opposition that they have been up against - but they more than held their own.
"We are playing against a very, very good side and we need to be at full tilt, there is no doubting that, otherwise we could come unstuck.
"They have got an awful lot of talent in the team, and they are not afraid to play from anywhere. I think they tend to make good decisions as well - it is not just based on throwing the ball about willy-nilly. They have got good structures and make good decisions. It will be a very, very tough test for us on Saturday."
Fans save man's life after collapse at Welsh rugby game
Cardiff Rugby has thanked supporters who helped save a man's life during a medical emergency during Saturday's clash with Ulster at the Arms Park. Mid-way through the second half, a member of the South Wales Ulster Rugby Supporters Club suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed.
Ulster supporters and Cardiff staff acted quickly and the patient was safely moved to allow emergency treatment, a Cardiff statement said. They then joined forces with St John’s Ambulance personnel and paramedics, who worked on the scene to resuscitate the supporter, who was later taken to the University Hospital of Wales in the city.
The supporter is now undergoing further tests and hopes to return home later this week.
A club statement said: "Cardiff Rugby would like to thank the club’s staff, South Wales Ulster Rugby Supporters Club, St John’s Ambulance and the paramedics who attended to the emergency. Through their fast action and expertise, the supporter was given the life-saving treatment required."
Smith retained in England squad for France clash
Marcus Smith has kept his place in England's squad for their Guinness Six Nations clash with France after being preferred ahead of George Ford. Ford has been omitted from the 27-man group retained for the Twickenham showdown on Saturday, pointing to Smith continuing as fly-half cover for Owen Farrell from the bench.
Courtney Lawes' injury curse has struck again after a shoulder issue ruled him out of the penultimate round of the competition. The Northampton forward's season had already been hindered by concussion, neck, glute and calf problems. Head coach Steve Borthwick names his starting XV on Thursday lunchtime.
Sexton expected to return for Ireland clash with Scotland
Johnny Sexton is among several big names expected to return for Ireland's Guinness Six Nations title clash against Scotland in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Sexton has been included in a 37-man training squad for the penultimate round of the Championship as Andy Farrell's men step up their push for the Grand Slam. The 37-year-old fly-half is expected to come in for Ross Byrne, who started the 34-20 victory over Italy, after struggling with a groin injury.
Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park, prop Tadhg Furlong and centre Robbie Henshaw are also present following spells in the treatment room.
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