Gatland defends team changes

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Wales will head to Rome with just five survivors in their starting line-up following a Grand Slam-ending defeat against France. Only full-back Lee Byrne, wing Shane Williams, centre Jamie Roberts, lock Alun-Wyn Jones and number eight Andy Powell remain from Paris.

"I am not trying to be disrespectful to Italy at all," said Gatland. "I am looking at our squad and looking at an opportunity to build some depth. I'm not trying to be disrespectful in any way."

Wales' dream of achieving back-to-back Grand Slams might be over, but they remain firmly in contention for a successful Six Nations title defence.

They need to beat Italy - and by a sizeable margin - to keep the heat on tournament leaders Ireland, who arrive in Cardiff on March 21, and Gatland is looking for a major response after Paris.

"The top teams have no worries about making changes," he added.

"The All Blacks, for instance, put out almost a second team against Scotland in November - they backed their squad's strength in depth.

"This is an opportunity for a lot of players to put themselves in contention for the Ireland game. There is nothing better than having selection headaches the following week."