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.

Six Nations Rugby Special pundit Sam Warburton discusses Wales' current form and the magnitude of their upcoming match against Italy in Rome.

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.

Jac Morgan captained Wales in the U20 Six Nations in 2020, achieving more turnovers than any other player in the tournament before it got halted due to the COVID pandemic. He made his senior Wales debut in 2022 and has made 17 appearances, and will captain Wales for the 2025 Six Nations tournament.

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.

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada on Thursday kept faith in the team which lost their opening Six Nations fixture when he made one change to take on Wales at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend.