Warren Gatland admits Italy showdown now ‘pretty important’ for wounded Wales

Warren Gatland says Wales cannot hide away from the importance of a Six Nations appointment with Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France.

They suffered a record Six Nations loss against France, and it was the first time since the tournament began 25 years ago that Wales failed to score a point against Six Nations opposition.

In a demoralising start for Wales, they also finished only one point short of equalling their all-time worst Six Nations defeat of 54-10 against Ireland 23 years ago.

It was a 13th successive Test reversal under Gatland – an ongoing Welsh record – and Saturday week’s Stadio Olimpico clash will be viewed by many as a wooden spoon decider, even at this early stage.

“It is an important game for Wales. It is not about where it ranks for me,” Wales head coach Gatland said.

“Next week becomes pretty important for us. We can’t hide away from that. We need to get the monkey off our back.

“The players have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and the players are aware of how important next week is.

“We go to Nice tomorrow for the week, and that is going to be important for this group and working closely and continuing to make improvements.

“When I look at the way the forwards kept carrying and defending, they gave everything. We need to make sure we are smart in terms of the way we play to get that win next week in Rome.”

As if the defeat was not heavy enough, Wales lost number eight Aaron Wainwright and centre Owen Watkin with first-half injuries.

A bloodied Wainwright took a blow to his head, while Watkin suffered a suspected serious knee injury that will require further assessment.

“They are not looking great,” Gatland added.

“Owen is in a brace with his knee, and it looks like it