A blundering Italian job has left a huge dent in Welsh hopes of landing their second successive RBS 6 Nations title.

A minimum 13-point winning margin is not something Wales have achieved at Grand Slam-chasing Ireland’s expense since 1983.

Eddie Butler captained Wales to a 23-9 success that day in Cardiff, but current form suggests anything approaching a repeat result is unlikely.

“It was an accumulation of things,” said Wales wing Mark Jones, whose two most notable contributions during the 20-15 success over Italy came in defence.

“We didn’t get the flow to our game we would have liked. We fielded their kicks well, but maybe there were some wrong options off that.

“Maybe we should have kept the ball in hand a bit more and worked them harder for longer periods.

“But it’s down to the last game next Saturday. The priority for us (in Rome) was winning, and if we are measured on that, it was mission accomplished.

“Teams have had a 12-month period to have a little look at us, see where they feel we were successful last year and then try to combat that. We are aware teams are going to be doing that, and we are trying to evolve our game plan. It does take time.

“We are grateful for the win against Italy, but obviously we would like to have done it in a more stylish fashion. But I am pleased we will go into the last game of the championship and be in with a shout.”