‘The best is yet to come’

– Wales coach Warren Gatland says his side will step up their performance for their crucial Six Nations contest against England in Cardiff on February 23 after they came through a scrappy 2615 victory over Italy on Saturday.

Gatland had made 10 changes to the side that won in Paris in their tournament opener and they never quite clicked into gear in Rome, scoring two second-half tries as Wales relied largely on the boot of flyhalf Dan Biggar (above).

“You’re not always brilliant and we weren’t. We will be a lot better against England,” Gatland told reporters. “A lot of people will write us off, which is a good position to be in.”

He also gave credit to Italy, who he said made it difficult for his team to find their rhythm.

“A lot of people will look to criticise us but you have to give Italy some credit for how they played,” he said. “That’s probably the best Italian performance I’ve seen since I’ve been in charge.”

Wales will break a 109-year team record if they beat England as it would be a 12th consecutive Test victory. –