CARDIFF (UNITED KINGDOM) - Sam Warburton will heave a sigh of relief when he returns to captain Wales in their final World Cup warm-up game against Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.
Wales' captain Sam Warburton runs to score a try during a Six Nations rugby union match against Italy, at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, in March 2015
Warburton missed both games against Ireland last month following a shoulder injury that threatened to rule him out of the tournament.
The British and Irish Lions skipper damaged nerves in his shoulder in a challenge from team-mate Jake Ball during a full-contact training session in North Wales and for two days feared the blow would sideline him from the World Cup.
However, the openside flanker has since recovered to resume his role with the captain's armband against the Azzurri at the Millennium Stadium, where Wales will return in a fortnight for their opening game of the World Cup against Pool A minnows Uruguay.
"This is the final dress rehersal before the World Cup so it's important for some fine-turning and to carry some momentum into the tournament," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We were happy with the performance away in Ireland last weekend (Wales beat the Six Nations champions 16-10 in Dublin), but there were still a few signs of rustiness, so we thought another 60 minutes for some of them would help," he added.
"We wanted to see the back three together again and there are also a few guys like Sam and Cory Allen who need a game after injuries," the New Zealander explained.
"For a few of the forwards, it’s also a chance to redeem themselves for the first game against Ireland (which Wales lost 35-21 in Cardiff)."
"The return of Warburton coincides with the recall of centre Allen, also from a shoulder injury, for his first Test appearance in 10 months.
Meanwhile there was further positive news for Wales with prop Samson Lee and wing Liam Williams both back to full fitness after long-term injuries.
"From a medical point of view this is the best condition the squad has been in for six weeks,” said Gatland, who guided Wales to the semi-finals of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
Wales racked up a record victory in their most recent encounter with the Azzurri, although a 61-20 win in Rome fell just short of snatching the Six Nations title on a dramatic final day of the Championship in March.
- 'Grinding down' -
Nevertheless, Gatland said: "Italy is always a tough side to play against and they have picked their strongest team of the campaign.
"They are the sort of team that makes life very difficult if they are still in the fight. It’s about being patient, grinding them down and then taking your chances."
"Our emphasis is on discipline and sending a message to the referees, especially at the scrum, that we are approaching the game in a positive way.
"We know in the (World Cup pool) games against England and Australia, we cannot afford to give away penalties because the games are going to be so close."
Italy also see their captain back in the ranks, with Sergio Parisse returning after missing their first two warm-up games against Scotland.
The talismanic skipper was rested after a gruelling end to the season with club side Stade Francais and his presence will be welcome after Italy's 48-7 hammering by Scotland at Murrayfield last week.
This will be a last tune-up before coach Jacques Brunel's side face his native France at London's Olympic Stadium on September 19.
Scrum-half Edoardo Gori is back from suspension while experienced centre Andrea Masi comes in to a near full-strength Italian side that includes new flanker Simone Favaro of Celtic League champions Glasgow.