Warren Gatland: Wales fully aware of importance of Italy game

Warren Gatland says that "everyone is aware of the situation" as Wales face a critical Guinness Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome (Saturday, 2.15pm).

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.

A first loss on Italian soil for 18 years would leave them struggling to avoid a repeat of last season's Six Nations wooden spoon, given that Wales’ remaining appointments are with Ireland, Scotland and England.

And the consequences could be huge for Gatland and his coaching staff if Wales do not end a dismal run of results that began with a 2023 World Cup quarter-final exit against Argentina.

"We have spoken as a group just about how important this game is for us," Gatland said.

"The players have responded well, in terms of taking some leadership and ownership this week. They are aware of how important this game is.

"You try and be positive as much as you possibly can. You try not to look at the white noise from the outside. We are focusing on ourselves.

"I haven’t seen any of the external pressure – I try and stay away from that stuff. If you absorb yourself in that, I don’t see it as being positive in trying to portray to the players what we are asking them to do.

"Everyone is aware of the situation, but it is not something that is a part of everyday conversation. You are talking to individuals about their own performance, giving them confidence and making sure there is some self-belief in them going out there and delivering for us.

"I looked at some of the individuals last week (against France), and they gave us everything. They really tried hard.

"If they continue to do that – we need the bounce of the ball and a bit of luck as well,