Warren Gatland has pushed back against the idea that Wales’ upcoming Six Nations clash with Italy is the country’s most significant match in two decades. His comments come in response to former fly-half Dan Biggar’s assertion that the game in Rome is Welsh rugby’s biggest in the past 15 to 20 years.
Following a 43-0 drubbing at the hands of France in their tournament opener, Wales now face the daunting prospect of a record-extending 14th consecutive defeat. A loss at the Stadio Olimpico would bring them dangerously close to a second winless Six Nations campaign and the unwanted wooden spoon. However, Gatland remains adamant that, while crucial, the game does not carry the historical weight that some are suggesting.
“We’ve been in some close games, and unfortunately, we haven’t been able to get across the line,” he said. “We know we are in a bit of a rebuilding phase, so it’s definitely not the biggest game for Wales in the last 20 years. I’ve been saying for a while that we knew the situation we were in with the amount of experience we’ve lost.”
The head coach acknowledged the importance of securing a win, not just for the sake of the campaign but to lift the morale of his squad. “A win would get the monkey off the back and build some confidence. It would allow players to put their shoulders back and stand a little taller,” he added.
In an effort to turn the tide, Gatland has made two changes to the team that struggled in Paris. Veteran No. 8 Taulupe Faletau returns to the starting lineup, making his 105th appearance for Wales, while Eddie James is handed his first Test start at centre.
Faletau’s inclusion is particularly significant, as it marks his return to international rugby for the first time since the 2023 World Cup. The 34-year-old last played for Wales in a pool stage victory over Georgia, during which he suffered a broken arm. His road back to fitness has been challenging, with additional setbacks including a fractured shoulder sustained while playing for Cardiff.
“He wasn’t quite ready with his knee last week, but he’s ready to go now, and it’s a big confidence boost for us,” Gatland said. “He brings experience and probably a bit of X factor. He’s been an outstanding player in the past, though he hasn’t had a lot of games in recent years. It’s been tough for him, but he’s looked really sharp in training. We’re looking for some of those special traits he has to try to inspire people around him.”
Wales’ historical record in Rome is strong, having remained unbeaten there since 2007. However, recent encounters with Italy have not gone in their favor, with back-to-back defeats to the Azzurri in Cardiff. With their Six Nations campaign hanging in the balance, the upcoming fixture is seen as a critical opportunity to rebuild momentum.
For Gatland, the focus is on more than just avoiding another defeat. He sees this match as a chance for his squad to demonstrate progress and resilience in the midst of a difficult transition period. While the stakes are undoubtedly high, he remains firm in his belief that Wales’ future success will be shaped by the foundations they are laying now.
