Hansen urges radical change

Coach Steve Hansen reckons Wales’ historic RBS 6 Nations defeat by Italy in Rome is further proof that urgent change is needed.

The New Zealander again repeated his belief that Wales have to follow the Irish provincial model after seeing his side slump to a 30-22 humiliation at the Stadio Flaminio on Saturday.

Hansen dismissed those who argue that Italy do not have such a set-up yet were still celebrating their first victory over Wales in 10 attempts.

“Whether we like it or not, we have got to make changes or we will have days like this again,” said Hansen.

“There have been ominous signs before, this was just another one. You can talk about provinces or whatever, it is about doing what’s right for your country.

“It doesn’t matter whether if what’s right for Wales is right for Italy or if what’s right for Italy is right for England. It’s about doing what’s right for us.”

The burning issue – which could see the likes of Pontypridd and Cardiff, as well as Swansea and Llanelli united to compete in major competition – will be discussed by the clubs at a special meeting next Sunday.

The debate is likely to be even more fierce if Wales cannot recover from their shambolic display in Rome and make a fight of it against England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

Hansen is scheduled to announce his line-up on Wednesday and there are likely to be changes, with skipper Colin Charvis one of those facing the axe having been replaced in the second half against the Azzurri.

“The fact that I am the first captain to lose to Italy is not something I will dwell on,” said the Swansea number eight. “But I will have to see how I bounce back as an individual.

“You have to remember there are 32 of us in the squad and whoever takes the field next week I am sure will put in the best performance they can.

“The mood in the dressing room was pretty down, as you would expect. It is a difficult time but we will have to see whether we put ourselves back together in time before we play England.”

Prop Ben Evans summed up the mood of the players when he said: “We let ourselves down, we’ve let Steve Hansen and the coaches down and we’ve let the families we left back in Wales down.

“But it’s England in Cardiff next – those few words still send shivers down my spine. That will be the difference and we will be up for it.

“It’s been said in the past that as long as we beat England then nothing else matters. It’s not like that, we want to do well in the 6 Nations. Maybe if we win the rest of our games then we can look back on this one and laugh.”