Jones boost

Jones has been a major doubt for Wales ever since suffering a dead leg against Ireland nine days ago.

The outside half came off midway through the first half of that game and has not been able to train since.

But he gave Wales caretaker coach Scott Johnson a major boost by training today and Jones is confident he will now be named in the side to face the Italians.

He said: "I've done everything I can to be fit and I'm taking part in my first training session today.

"I'm looking forward to getting my boots on and get cracking with the preparations for Saturday's game.

"I'm confident I'll be fit, all the signs are good that I'll play."

If Jones does play he knows his teammates will need a major improvement to beat the Italians on Saturday.

The Grand Slam champions have had a poor Six Nations, losing two of their opening three games.

But Saturday gives Scott Johnson's beleaguered side a chance to bounce back. Jones said: "As a crop of players we know that we must show a massive improvement against the Italians.

"There was a time in the past when you could get away with not playing well against Italy but still manage to sneak a win.

"But they are a different proposition now. If you look at their half-time results they have been in close contention and have only been losing by a couple of points and that shows how much they have improved.

"They play a very simplistic game plan but they are very effective at it and we will have to be efficient in our preparations for this game."

Wales' other injury doubts are Scarlets pair Mark Jones and Alix Popham who suffered rib and shoulder injuries, respectively, in the Powergen Cup semi-final victory over Bath on Saturday.

Both face fitness tests today and as a result Johnson has delayed the naming of his team till tomorrow lunchtime.

The Italians have suffered a blow with the loss of 46-times capped flanker Mauro Bergamasco, who is out after suffering a thigh injury playing for Stade Francais against Biarritz on Saturday.