Jenkins aiming for fourth time lucky against Italy
WALES prop Gethin Jenkins has been handed another chance to break his captaincy curse after skipper Sam Warburton was ruled out of Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy.
Jenkins has failed to avoid defeat on the three previous occasions he has worn his country’s armband, but will be confident of ending that run when the bottom-of-the-table Italians visit the Millennium Stadium.
Warburton, who returned from injury in the Triple Crown clinching victory over England two weeks ago, misses out with a knee ligament injury as leaders Wales look to take another step towards the Grand Slam.
Flanker Justin Tipuric replaces the World Cup skipper in the back row, centre Jamie Roberts starts despite knee concerns, former captain Matthew Rees returns at hooker and fit-again lock Luke Charteris is on the bench.
Jenkins admits his unenviable captaincy record is playing on his mind, saying: “That was the first thing I thought of when Gats [Wales coach Warren Gatland] asked me: to break that duck.”