Warren Gatland says that “everyone is aware of the situation” as Wales face a critical Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome. Wales are on the ropes, reeling from a record 13 successive Test match defeats and a 43-0 drubbing by France in their tournament opener.

WARREN GATLAND HAS dismissed the notion Wales are facing their biggest game for two decades against Italy on Saturday. Former Wales outside-half Dan Biggar described the Guinness Six Nations clash in Rome as Welsh rugby’s biggest game for the “last 15-20 years” after an opening 43-0 thrashing to France left Gatland’s side surveying a record-breaking 13th consecutive defeat.

Italy show faith with the side defeated by Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations with just the one change to face Wales on Saturday.

Wales don’t have the game-breaking backs that they once had. Josh Adams is in the midst of his longest try-scoring drought for Wales (eight matches), Liam Williams doesn’t have the gas to cut through defences like he did in his pomp, and Tom Rogers, who was lively against France, has yet to get off the mark.

Veteran loose forward Taulupe Faletau will play his first game for Wales since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named on Thursday in the starting line up for their vital Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome on Saturday.