Bowden said Wales have already put last weekend’s record defeat to Ireland behind them as they prepare for tomorrow’s historic encounter at the home of Welsh rugby.
“It’s a massive game for us. Playing in the Millennium Stadium is a huge boost for us. We just want to go out and show everyone want we are capable of.
“We didn’t perform against Ireland, simple as that and as players we were very disappointed with ourselves.
“We are better than that result. We haven’t become a bad team after one game so we’re really looking to put that right against Italy.”
Italy are traditionally strong up front and Bowden and her front row colleagues Jenny Davies and Caryl Thomas are expecting a tough day at the office.
“The big pitch will hopefully suit us against the Italians. Their strength is in the forwards – we’ve got some new players coming in to the centre who possess plenty of experience and skill so we should be able to play some good rugby.”
One of those centres is the returning Elen Evans who will start out outside centre. She will partner Naomi Thomas in midfield.
“It’s good to be back in the side,” said Evans. “We struggled against Italy last year but hopefully we can get a bit of ball in our hands and show what we can do.
