While Les Blues’ effort to repeat their 2010 Grand Slam came to an end following their draw with Ireland, Wales’ hopes of a clean sweep are very much alive with the Triple Crown already secured.

But now Warburton has called on his side, who are undefeated against Italyat the Millennium Stadium, to deliver a clear signal of intent by striking top form and emphatically dispatching the Azzurri this weekend.

"It is about being ruthless next weekend,” he said.

"It's a great opportunity to send a message out to France that we are not messing around.

"A good impressive win over the Italians and trying to get some negative thoughts in their mind coming to Cardiffmeans a ruthless performance against the Italians would be good.

"I can understand how people are getting ahead of themselves.

"But from a player's point of view it is always a really tough game against Italy, and the players know that, which is why we are really going to knuckle down at training.

"I have stopped myself from saying it [Grand Slam]. I am not superstitious, but I can say hand on heart that no one has spoken about the French game once.

"It is just being professional. At the moment, it is about getting your body right for next weekend, topping up some fitness, doing some skill work and then focusing on Italy.

"We can't afford to think of anything else, really, and the players won't be looking any further ahead than Italy.

"When I have played against Italy, even though it might look comfortable from a spectator's point of view, you still have to work really hard on the pitch.

"You really have to try to break them down. If you go out a bit complacent and they get their tails up - they beat France last season, remember - they have that performance in them.”

Meanwhile, World Cup lock Luke Charteris has given Wales’ Championship hopes a boost after becoming available for selection following a return from injury.

The 6ft 9in Newport Gwent Dragons forward, who has not laid low since the 2011 World Cup with a wrist injury but has joined the training squad after making his club return on Saturday.

Gatland will name his team for the Italygame tomorrow, and it is possible that Charteris could be involved in the matchday 22.