So far in the championship the Italians have matched France, Ireland and England pound for pound up front.

And Thomas, in his first RBS 6 Nations Championship, is getting ready to meet the challenge head-on as Wales look to recover from a 31-5 hammering at the hands of Ireland two weekends ago.

He said: We have had a good look at Italy over the last couple of days and in their three games so far they have been in the lead at half-time in two of them.

They are really strong up front and it will be a huge challenge for us.

We havent really clicked yet but hopefully that will all come together at the weekend.

I dont think anything has gone particularly wrong but there have been a few changes and we havent really gelled. The timing has been out on a few things.

Its my first Six Nations and everything is a bit more hyped up. Im really enjoying it.

There is a special aura about the Six Nations and to be involved is just brilliant.''