Tomorrow, Wales face Italy in yet another wooden spoon decider.

In three of the past four seasons, Wales and Italy have placed fifth and sixth respectively, the outlier being Wales’ Six Nations triumph in 2021.

This year, as last year, Wales go into their game against Italy trailing the Azzurri in the table.

Last years game in Rome was the penultimate one with Wales earning a bonus point win before going out to France and earning a valiant try bonus in defeat.

Were it not for the width of a post, or even half that, Wales would have already been consigned to the wooden spoon – that is if Italian fly-half Paolo Garbisi had slotted his last-minute penalty against France.

Wales now find themselves in a position where they require at least a win against Italy to avoid the ignominy of finishing last in the table, in what would be a first since 2003.

That year, Wales lost to the Azzurri in the first week of the championship, before successive losses against England and Scotland.

A one-point loss at home to Ireland followed, thanks to a Ronan O’Gara drop goal in the final five minutes before a humbling 33-5 loss to France.

This year there have been positives. The second half come back and four tries against Scotland, a first half time lead in the Six Nations era at Twickenham and the first half against France.

Individuals have shone, Cameron Winnett and Alex Mann have taken to international rugby like ducks to water, while Tommy Reffell has filled the gaping void left by injured captain Jac Morgan.

However, there have been struggles.

Wales have failed to score a single point in three halves of rugby, the first halves of Scotland and Ireland and the second half of England, while they didn’t score a point from the 43^rd minute against France.

The Welsh management will be hoping their side can put together a full-80-minute performance on Saturday.

If they do, they have every chance of winning, but with an inexperienced bench, particularly in the front row, the pressure is on.  

They will also need to deal with an Italian side who are reaping the rewards of a Benetton side who are performing well, alongside a youth programme which has been showing progress for several years, particularly at under 20s level.

The Italians now boast a strong centre partnership, Ignacio Brex and Tommasso Menoncello have both won player of the match awards in this years competition.

Their back row has strengthened with youngsters Ross Vintcent, Manuel Ziuliani and Lorenzo Cannone able to fit around stalwart Sebastian Negri and captain Michele Lamaro.

Yes, they are without star man Ange Capuozzo this weekend, but replacement Lorenzo Pani has a siege cannon of a left boot, while wings Monty Ioane and new man Louis Lynagh will be an equal threat.

After years of people questioning whether they should be in the Six Nations, Italy could finish in their best ever position of third should they win, and other results go their way.

Wales will have their work cut out to stop them.