Josh Adams admits Wales have plenty of room for improvement as they look to follow up their record-breaking comeback against France with victory in Rome.
Wales looked destined to open their 2019 Guinness Six Nations campaign with a defeat after Les Bleus raced into a 16-0 lead at half-time at the Stade de France.
But a second-half brace from George North and a try from Tomos Williams saw Warren Gatland’s side turn the game on its head to triumph 24-19 in Paris.
Wales will now look extend their winning Test run to 11 matches with victory against Conor O’Shea’s Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday afternoon.
And winger Adams, who sparked the recovery by setting up Williams’ try with a brilliant line break, knows Wales cannot afford another slow start against the Azzurri.
“It was a good win over France but that’s all done now. It’s all eyes on Italy in Rome,” said 23-year-old Adams.
“This is all new for me. This is my fourth campaign and my second Six Nations but the boys are brilliant.
“It’s a tight group, everybody gets on really well, and games like France show our cohesion.
“It showed we can come back from 16 points down. Depending on weather conditions, if it’s raining like it did in Paris, there is going to have to be a bit more game management from us in Italy.
“We need to play the game in the right areas, maybe sharpen up our attack a bit more, and get into our shape a bit quicker. There are a few things to look forward to and reflect on.”
Wales have not lost to Italy since 2007 and have never been beaten by the hosts under the reign of Gatland – who is not taking anything for granted against the Azzurri.
“I have been to Rome a number of times,” Gatland said. “Italy can make it difficult for you and the weather conditions might play a big part.
“You have just got to keep your patience. If we can win our first two games away from home, it sets us up nicely.”
