Wales are feeling the pain but will be ready for the World Cup, assistant coach Neil Jenkins insists… as Warren Gatland’s men look to end a dismal run in a wooden spoon clash against Italy.
- Wales have lost their first three games in this year’s Six Nations.
- They are at risk of their first championship wooden spoon in two decades.
- Italy are yet to win, but they impressed in losses to France, England and Ireland.
Wales have admitted that their current pain on and off the pitch is painful, but there is confidence in Warren Gatland’s side that they can turn the corner ahead of the World Cup.
Head coach Gatland has seen his players suffer three successive defeats in the Six Nations in 2023, while out of action the Welsh game is in a mess amid ongoing financial and contractual uncertainty.
A trip to Italy is up next for Wales on Saturday in a clash that will decide who finishes bottom of the Championship pile. Both sides have yet to win this year.
But while Wales have struggled, Italy have shown significant signs of improvement, especially in attack and have impressed against France, England and Ireland.
“I don’t think we care if we’re favorites or not,” said Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins, who believes this is the strongest Italy team the country has ever had.
Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says Wales will have to be at their best against Italy on Saturday
‘We will have to do our best on Saturday to win. The reality is that we probably felt like there was going to be some pain on us right now. We are certainly feeling that.
‘But we have until September to correct ourselves and I think we can do it. I’d like to think we’ll go through the gears from now until then to have a good chance at the World Cup.”
Gatland will name his team for Rome on Thursday knowing that Wales must win at the Stadio Olimpico or risk more trouble. Wales have not lost their five Six Nations games since 2003.
They are at risk of their first Championship wooden spoon in two decades after slipping to 10th in the World Rugby rankings following a run of 12 defeats in 15 games.
Confidence among Warren Gatland’s team that they can turn the corner before the World Cup
Simply put, Welsh rugby is in a big hole and there is a lot of work to be done on the pitch and in the boardroom to turn things around.
This week, Wales number 8 Taulupe Faletau admitted it was “difficult to give it your all” with Welsh players badly affected by political problems between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four regions.
“It’s not an ideal place to be in any walk of life,” Jenkins said, referring to the 90 Wales players who are out of contract at the end of the season and cannot be offered new deals.
‘People have houses, families, mortgages and bills. It is a difficult time for the boys. The reality is that we have to keep trying to do the best we can to give ourselves a chance.’