British teams are used to operating with the Gilbert-manufactured article but a Mitre ball will be fought over in the Flaminio Stadium.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock believes the RBS 6 Nations should be like other competitions and use the same throughout.

''In principle you would want the same sort of ball in every game,'' said Ruddock.

''You get the same ball in the Heineken Cup and you get the same ball in the Celtic League for example. So a standardised ball would be useful.

''But having said that we are not going to use the ball as an excuse if we don't perform. It's not going to be about that.

''It's going to be the same for both sides, we have trained with it all week and we are ready for the challenge.''

There is controversy surrounding the use of a Mitre ball because Ireland seemed to struggle to get to grips with it in their 28-17 victory over Italy in Rome last Sunday.

And Wales have noticed a slight difference, especially from the kickers.

''There is a smaller sweet spot on the Mitre than on the Gilbert,'' said Wales captain Gareth Thomas.

''The Italians are obviously more used to the ball than anyone else. We would prefer to play with a Gilbert, but the Italians use a Mitre for their home games so it is up to us to get used to it.

''We had difficulty two years ago, especially with the kickers, but it is up to us to get used to it and we can't use it as an excuse.''

Stephen Jones, who is Wales' number one kicker despite Gavin Henson putting over the match-winning penalty against England on Saturday, said the Gilbert and Mitre balls do react differently.

''We have just got to make the most of it,'' said 44-times capped Jones.

"If they don't fly as well through the air as the Gilbert ball, so be it. We can only get on with it."