Roberts: loss to Irish would be ‘gutting’

WALES centre Jamie Roberts is determined to prevent an “absolutely gutting” scenario unfolding at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

But the odds are against Roberts and company making a successful RBS 6 Nations title defence following their unconvincing Italian job.

Wales’ Six Nations campaign was almost reduced to ruins at Stadio Flaminio on Saturday, retrieved only by a late Tom Shanklin try after Italy belied their status as tournament whipping boys. A 13-point victory is the task they face against Ireland.