Here we go... Wales finally get to bring on one of their few genuine world-class stars.

Sisilia Tuipulotu missed the first game due to an administrative error with her visa, which was frankly unforgivable by the Welsh Rugby Union.

But she's on now at prop as Donna Rose leaves holding her shoulder.

To be fair, Rose has really stepped in well.

Wales take to the air early in the second half and look to be getting some joy.

To pick on Ceri's point... the crowds were similar in New Zealand last year for WXV1.

The tournament is still in its infancy but you would have expected more.

A far cry from the last time these two teams met, in front of a Welsh women's record 10,500 people inside the Principality Stadium.

We're back under way in Cape Town.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

I think the less that is said about the crowds in South Africa the better.

There were 291 people for the Australia game last week, at least this week the sun is shining for the few that have come out.

Of all the stats at half-time, this is undoubtedly the most concerning for Wales.

They are guilty of twice the number of missed tackles as Italy, 6-3.

But that is despite the Azzurre having to make almost double the number of tackles as Wales, 84-44.

Once again for Wales it's a case of missed tackles and missed opportunities. in the first half.

The second season of the WXV competition is under way - and you can watch every match in the top two divisions live on the BBC's digital platforms.

England defeated world champions New Zealand in Auckland to win the inaugural WXV1 trophy last year, while Scotland claimed the WXV2 title and Ireland came out on top in WXV3.

Wales finished bottom of WXV1 in 2023, securing their place in WXV2 this year by beating Spain in a play-off in June.

So what is the WXV tournament, how can you follow it on the BBC, and when do the teams play?

WXV: Tournament guide, fixtures and BBC coverage

Come on... it was such a remarkable result in WXV1 that it deserves another watch right?

While today's game is very much still in the balance, Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham says they accepted the criticism that came their way after last week's heavy loss to Australia.

His team of professionals were beaten 37-5 by Australia in their WXV2 opener in Cape Town but says Wales' progress is going to take time, with next year's Rugby World Cup their main focus.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

The fact that Lleucu George is kicking so much suggests Wales have run out of ideas in attack.

Lleucu George kicks the ball out and that's half-time.

We're all level at Athlone Stadium so it's set up for a humdinger after the break.

Ooh... Emma Stevanin knocks on just as Italy were threatening.

Their lineout drive had made in-roads but just as Italy were moving forward, the fly-half - who scored against Wales in the Six Nations - took her eye off the ball and knocks on.

Penalty to Italy and they will get a chance to retake the lead before half-time with a kick to the corner.

Ceri Coleman-Phillips
BBC Sport Wales rugby reporter

It had to come from Wales.

And that's a deserved try for Hannah Bluck who has done really well since being called up as a late replacement for Kerin Lake.

Italy captain Elisa Giodano may be lucky not to get a card for that deliberate knock-on as Wales threatened.

Wales again kick to the corner.

They're going to have to think about kicking at goal to get some points soon.

Lleucu George spots Bethan Lewis out wide but the number eight fails to judge the flight of the crossfield kick which bounces into touch.

George created something out of nothing there after Wales were pinned down.

Nice kick and catch by wing Nel Metcalfe but Italy do well to slow down Wales.

I think Georgia Evans got away with one there.

She very casually made sure she stepped in front of Beatrice Rigoni after the Italy centre kicked ahead and brought her down.

Rigoni is rubbing her ribs... and Evans counting her luck.

Italy's backs look far more comfortable with ball in hand and in full-back Vittoria Minuzzi - who has switched to the left wing - they have someone who can beat a player in a phone box.