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.

With just six wins from 30 games in his second spell and his side favourites to retain the Six Nations wooden spoon, the outlook is bleak

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.

Wales on record run of 13 Test defeats after 43-0 defeat by France and have lost last seven matches in Six Nations; centre Eddie James and No 8 Taulupe Faletau come into Warren Gatlands side for Saturdays trip to Italy as Owen Watkin,

Six Nations Rugby Special pundit Sam Warburton discusses Wales' current form and the magnitude of their upcoming match against Italy in Rome.

Faletau is not ready for Friday’s Six Nations opener with France due to injury with hope that he will be fit for the clash with Italy