Wales and Italy will both be desperate to avoid the Six Nations wooden spoon as they open Super Saturday in Cardiff this afternoon.
Despite signs of progress with a young team under Warren Gatland, the hosts have now lost 11 of their last 12 games in the competition and are facing the possibility of a first winless campaign since 2003.
After their epic second-half fightback against Scotland on opening weekend fell agonisingly short, Wales were brushed aside by Ireland and then edged out by England before a thrilling first half against France in round four gave way to second-half domination from Les Bleus.
A first wooden spoon for 21 years would be a bitter pill to swallow for Wales, who are bidding farewell to George North as the Lions great makes his 121st and final Test appearance at the Principality Stadium after this week’s announcement that he was retiring from international rugby.
Italy claimed a dramatic late win on their last visit to Cardiff in 2022, though won’t have livewire Ange Capuozzo to inspire them this time due to injury.
But the Azzurri will still be soaring with new-found confidence under Gonzalo Quesada after coming within the width of a post of stunning France before upsetting Scotland in Rome last time out for their first home Six Nations win in 11 years.
How to watch Wales vs Italy
TV channel: In the UK, Wales vs Italy is being shown live and free-to-air on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 1:45pm GMT ahead of a 2:15pm kick-off.
Welsh-language channel S4C will also have live coverage of the game from 1:30pm.
Live stream: You can also view the game live and for free online via the BBC iPlayer or BBC Sport website.
