Wales began the Championship as a side on the verge of a crisis having lost seven successive games, a run that stretched to eight as Ireland left the Millennium Stadium with victory on the first weekend of the competition.

But out of nowhere the 2012 Grand Slam winners returned to winning ways in Paris, stunning France to win 16-6 on the second weekend of the Championship to reignite their title hopes.

A win in Italy would strengthen those chances dramatically, with Scotland to come on March 9 followed by a potential title decider with England in Cardiff on the final weekend of the Championship.

And while Jones is fully aware confidence is a fragile thing, he is determined to use it to Wales’ advantage this weekend.

“Confidence will play a part, there’s no doubt,” said Jones, who captains an unchanged XV. “As a group we came back from France with our heads held high and we need to harness that. It is an asset.

“But we know what’s required, it’s Championship rugby and it’s one game at a time. We’ll just focus on the next challenge which is going to be an incredibly tough one against a good side in a stadium with a full house.

“Last week’s game is only as good as the first 20 or 30 minutes this week. All bets are off.

“We want to start like we finished against Ireland and France and set our stall out but that will be no mean feat as rugby is ruthless, if you aren’t yourself you can be found out pretty quickly.”