GAT’S OUT TO DO JOB ON ITALIANS

Wales 24 France 45 WARREN GATLAND insists Wales will embrace the challenge of a wooden spoon decider against Italy – after France condemned his side to a fourth Six Nations defeat in a row.

France powered their way to a five-try victory in Cardiff in a one-sided second half.

And Wales have not finished bottom of the championship since losing all five games in 2003, but that is the prospect Gatland’s young side face ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Azzurri at Principality Stadium.

“It’s massive for us,” said head coach Gatland.

“You’ve got to embrace it and not run away from the challenge. I’ve never done that.

“You can’t go into your shell and hide away.

“There’s going to be a lot of external pressure and expectation, and international rugby is always about that.

“We’ve got to front up, work hard next week and go and give a performance at home.”

Fifth-placed Italy have seven points to Wales’ three after beating Scotland on Saturday.

It was Italy’s first Six Nations victory since winning in Cardiff two years ago, while Wales have lost 11 of their last 12 matches in the competition.

Gatland added: “It’s going to be a challenge for us and massive for them because they’ll be thinking that they can finish in their best possible position in the

Six Nations. We definitely don’t want to finish at the bottom.”

Rio Dyer (top), Tomos Williams and Joe Roberts scored tries to give Wales a 24-20 lead at the start of the second half.

But the hosts wilted, shipping a record points total to France in Cardiff.

France conclude their Six Nations campaign against England in Lyon on Saturday, and Les Bleus skipper Gregory Alldritt said: “England are showing some really good rugby at the moment, really tough defence as well, so it’s going to be a big challenge for the forwards.”