sport news ALEX BYWATER: It has been a Six Nations of misery for Warren Gatland's Wales ... trends now
It has been a Six Nations of misery for Wales both on and off the field.
The Championship comes to an end in Paris on Saturday for Warren Gatland's side and it will be a blessed relief when the final whistle sounds.
Wales will want to forget the last few months and quickly but there is likely to be more pain to come with a red-hot France their final opponents. The result, surely, is predictable.
Strike threats, contractual uncertainty and financial chaos have all characterised Wales' 2023 so far and after heavy defeats by Ireland, Scotland and England, victory over Italy in Rome last weekend was a rare, much-needed moment of positivity. Sadly, it has been the only one.
Gatland admitted at his side's training camp in Nice earlier this week that Wales are a long way from competing with the world's best teams. He is not wrong.
Warren Gatland's side play France in Paris in their final game of the Six Nations on Saturday
Saturday's game at the Stade de France is likely to be a last Six Nations clash for Ken Owens
Four years ago, in what he thought would be his final Six Nations in charge, Gatland guided Wales to a dramatic victory in Paris.
A Grand Slam and an ascent, albeit brief, to No 1 in World Rugby's rankings followed.
Now, Wales are nowhere – also-rans in the game's pecking order. They have significant work to do if they are to be competitive at the World Cup later this year.
'It's been a bit frustrating as we expect a lot from ourselves, as do the Welsh public,' said Wales captain Ken Owens. 'We haven't performed as consistently as we would have liked.
'We have to keep building. We had a good performance last week, a good win, and we have to deliver again this week leading into the World Cup preparation.'
After returning as head coach in December, Gatland is still getting a feel for his squad.
He is balancing a team which is a blend of gnarled experience and youthful exuberance. The contrast is huge.
Saturday's game at the Stade de France is likely to be a last Six Nations clash for Owens, iconic lock forward Alun Wyn Jones and perhaps fly-half Dan Biggar.
Taulupe Faletau will win his 100th Welsh cap in a milestone game for the No 8.
It is no excuse for their on-field performances, but Wales' players have also been badly let down by their shambolic Welsh Rugby Union bosses this year.
It remains the case that out-of-contract Welsh-based players are still unable to officially sign new deals with their regions.
No. 8 Taulupe Faletau scores with victory over Italy last weekend a rare moment of positivity
Gatland's Wales squad threatened to strike ahead of their defeat by England at the Principality
Gatland's squad threatened to strike ahead of their defeat by England in a week which
