Wales will face Italy in Rome this afternoon hoping to avoid being lumped with the Six Nations wooden spoon.The only countries without a Guinness Six Nations win this season will face off at Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday (2.15pm kick-off, live on ITV1 and S4C).It is 20 years since Wales finished bottom of the table and were wooden spoon recipients, but that scenario could now easily unfold.
It was this fixture in 2022, of course, which saw Italy break their 36-game tournament losing streak with a shock win in Cardiff.Successive defeats against Ireland, Scotland and England have left Wales scrambling around the Six Nations basement, yet to break their points duck and scoring only three tries in more than four hours of rugby.
Italy are one point above them, courtesy of a losing bonus point collected against France, but six tries in losses to Les Bleus, England and Ireland showcased an adventurous approach.Wales have made six changes to the team that lost to England in Cardiff two weeks ago, with Rhys Webb making his first start under Warren Gatland this campaign, and he is partnered with Owen Williams in the half-backs.
The Italians on the other hand have made just one change since their defeat to Ireland in the previous round. Ange Capuozzo is injured, so Harlequins star Tommaso Allan slots in at full-back.Stay tuned for all the build-up, live match updates and post-match reaction with our live blog below:Wales: 15.