ALIX Popham, the former Newport back row forward, is standing by for Wales in coach Steve Hansen's finale against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Popham, a regular for Leeds in the Zurich Premiership, hasn't featured for Wales since their final pool game in the World Cup against New Zealand.

He started that game which was the first of a number which set the world talking about Wales and their terrific potential, and though he has been on the bench during the Six Nations he hasn't been in the starting line-up.

Wales have got problems in the pack for the Italy game with back row pair Colin Charvis (thigh) and Jonathan Thomas (shoulder) plus lock Brent Cockbain (ankle) all nursing injuries.

Meanwhile Gareth Thomas, who equalled Ieuan Evans' Welsh try scoring record of 33 in Saturday's gripping match against England at Twickenham, and Newport Gwent Dragons lock Michael Owen, both called for a big last game effort for Hansen. "We could have given Steve a massive thankyou for all that he's done by beating England, now it's even more important to do it on our home patch," said Thomas.

"We've got to go out there, play for one another and give Steve the good send-off which he deserves." Owen added, "It would be nice to win for Steve who has gone through some difficult times.

"He's been very bold and done a lot of things which will leave the Welsh team in a good state for the next coach.

"But we can't underestimate Italy, they are difficult to play against. They will probably target Wales as one they can win, we have got to rise to that."

Hansen is wary of an Italian side seeking revenge for their World Cup defeat.

"They are probably coming to tell the world they should have been in the quarter-finals so we've got to be professional and make sure we prepare the same way as we have for the other games," he said.

l The Welsh Rugby Union are set to sign a £1m sponsorship deal with the Emirates Airline who would replace Rockport on the front of Wales jerseys.