So it seems that Italy started with their 2nd choice props and bright their first choice ones on during the first half.
According to Ben Kay, the theory is that your 2nd choice props blow themselves out for 30 minutes and then get replaced.
On comes the first choice props and put themselves about for 10 minutes before getting a rest at half time.
They've then got 40 minutes against a tiring or 2nd choice opposition front row
On the face of it, this seems very logical.
Ben Kay stated that the biggest downside is if the 1st choice prop gets injured, but I doubt this is really a major problem given that the starting prop has probably had a significant rest.
Any other thoughts on this?