Wales suffered a fourth successive loss in this years Six Nations against France and are now staring down the barrel of a first wooden spoon since 2003.

Italy shocked Scotland on Saturday meaning when Wales face the Azzurri this weekend at the Principality Stadium, they will need at least a win to ensure they don’t finish bottom of this years competition.

Speaking on this weeks Sportin Wales podcast former Wales and British and Irish Lions fullback Lee Byrne backs Wales to turn things around and picks a couple of players who he would like to see start for Wales this weekend.

After the shock dropping of George North for the France game, with Scarlets’ Joe Roberts making a try-scoring display when replacing him, Byrne has backed Cardiff’s Mason Grady to start at 13 this weekend.

“There’s a big ask for Mason Grady to come in for the centre,” said Byrne.

“I thought Owen Watkin put his hand up and he really stood up also.

“I’d like to see them as the centre pairing.”

Byrne has also backed Grady’s regional teammate 20-year-old Mackenzie Martin to make his first start for the national side.

“Like Grady I though Martin came on and played well,” said Byrne.

“I like him and thought he really made an impact against France and I can see him starting.

“He’s got it all, wears his heart on his sleeve along with his size and that’s something we’ve been missing.”

The former Ospreys and Clermont Auvergne fullback also gave praise to some of Wales’ other young stars.

“I thought Rio Dyer stood out on the wing against France,” said Byrne.

“I thought it was his best game in a Welsh shirt in my opinion.

“Cam Winnett has been one of Wales’ best players, obviously there are a few errors like any rookie to test rugby, but he’s taken to it well and has a great future for years to come.

“Also, I think Tommy Reffell has been amazing, putting his body in positions which god knows how he puts them there while Dafydd Jenkins is a real workhorse and someone you have to have in the team.”

So who will win, Wales or Italy?

After a disappointing World Cup Italy have improved drastically this year and are now on seven points after drawing against France and beating Scotland.

But Byrne backs Wales to turn things around and get their first win of this years Six Nations.

“It’s going to be really tough,” said Byrne.

“The Six Nations is all about momentum and Italy have that and we haven’t.

“They come here with no fear, like a lot of teams, I think we’ve got to front up and these 80 minutes will go to the wire.

“I’m saying Wales will win by three points, it’s going to be close.”

Wales will be hoping to avoid a first wooden spoon since 2003 but a win against Italy might not be enough to avoid the ignominy of last place.

To usurp Italy, Wales will need to beat their opponents and stop them from getting a bonus point.

Alternatively, Wales would need to win with a bonus point, limit the Italians to one bonus point or less and have a points difference of six or greater.

Of comfort to Wales will be the knowledge that in eight of their last nine meetings, the final score would be enough should they emulate it this year.

The inspiration to the Azzurri will be that the outlier from those results was their dramatic 21-23 victory at the Principality Stadium two years ago.

Fingers crossed Wales will be on the right side of the history on Saturday.