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, the head coach of Wales' rugby team, has dismissed Dan Biggar's assertion that the upcoming Six Nations match against Italy is the most significant game for Wales in two decades. Despite a 13-match losing streak, Gatland refuted the claim made by Biggar following the 43-0 defeat to France last Friday.

Here are our Italy v Wales predictions in what has been billed as a Six Nations Wooden Spoon decider in Rome with the visitors having lost 13 games in a row

Warren Gatland denies Italy clash is ‘biggest Wales game for 20 years’ - Number eight veteran Taulupe Faletau returns to the starting line-up after a 16-month absence through injury.

There are no guarantees Faletau will be fit for Wales' appointment at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Gatland revealed Faletau had made the call to rule himself out of contention for the France game due to a bad knee, while the Cardiff No 8 was not among the matchday squad warming up in Paris.

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.