Il Nuovo Postiglione - Cracknell senses Wales close to ending Six Nations losing streak

Wales were well beaten by England and France in the opening two rounds but were far more competitive in recent losses to Scotland and Ireland.

Steve Tandy's men now finish the tournament at home to Italy on Saturday, with the Azzurri buoyed by a first win in 33 Tests against England last weekend.

Wales head into their concluding clash desperate to avoid a third consecutive Six Nations without a win.

Asked Wednesday if Wales had turned a corner in Dublin, when there was only one score between the sides with four minutes left in a match Ireland eventually won 27-17, Cracknell replied: "I think so. To be honest, I felt that in the France game.

"You look back on the result (a 54-12 thrashing) and just think 'Oh, that's a write-off'. But it didn't feel like that.

"I actually felt if we just do what we said we were going to do, and set out to play the way we're supposed to as a team, then we're going to be all right and be in games."

Wales have not won a Six Nations match 2023 but No 8 Cracknell feels better days are not far off.

"It's a really exciting finale for us and it feels like we've been on the journey. There's a lot of excitement and pressure on getting that win but, if we deliver that base and intent we've been trying to build, that's the start," he said.

"So bring that and then a little bit extra, and we'll be in a good position."

A.Rastelli--INP