Wales were dominated by Ireland on their last outing, with only the unusual profligacy of kicker Johnny Sexton keeping Wales to within a score until Jacob Stockdale’s late try sealed a 37-27 win.
The result handed Wales their second defeat of the Six Nations, having been ground down by England at Twickenham, losing 12-6 in testing conditions.
Italy meanwhile will not confirm their line-up until Friday at 2pm, which should give them enough to study exactly what Gatland has decided to do: reports in Wales suggest he will name his third different No 10 of the championship with Gareth Anscombe at fly-half while Cory Hill could be made captain with Alun Wyn Jones dropped.
Six Nations 2018, Wales team announcement LIVE
10.45am: We’ve still got an hour and a quarter until Gatland confirms his team but that hasn’t stopped every man and his dog having a guess.
There could be as many as 10 changes with Anscombe, who impressed against England off the bench, set to take on the role of playmaker against Italy, who for all their promise have shipped 136 points in three games this year.
