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.

As galling as that must have been for Llewellyn, who struggled to get himself into the game when Wales weren't putting the ball in his hand on first-phase, given they rarely kept it much longer, James showed how he can be a strong carrier at Test level.

The coach whose enduring belief that the next match is always winnable is not ready to abandon all hope just yet

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.