Jones and co. had harboured hopes of winning the championship this year but instead it has been a frustrating campaign with defeats against England, France and Ireland.

A solitary victory over Scotland means Gatland’s men are now locked in a three-way battle to avoid the woodenspoon, with Saturday’s opponents Italy and Scotland also in the frame.

And while Jones – who returns to lead the Dragons after missing the dismal defeat in Ireland last weekend with a calf injury – is far from happy with how things have gone he has urged his teammates to give the Wales fans something to cheer this weekend.

“It has been frustrating and disappointing. We've found ourselves at the wrong end of the table but it's been from our own making,” said the 28-year-old.

"We have lost games through our mistakes and we have to put our own house in order.

"The expectation is always there from the supporters. We want to give them something to cheer about and finish the campaign on a high. We owe the fans a big performance. It's a must-win game for us."