Steve Hansen has called for his players pick to themselves up and come out fighting ahead of Wales' next Six Nations match against England.

Using a boxing analogy to comment on the humiliating defeat against Italy, the Wales coach told BBC ScrumV:

"They have got to get off the floor. It's like a boxer who has got knocked out in the first round. You've just got to pick yourself up and get on with fight."

The New Zealander gave a damming verdict of his players performance in Rome, pulling no punches as he criticised the whole team.

"We don't have any excuses. The problem is that we played poorly. Our tackling was bordering on pathetic really.

If his performance is not of the quality that we want, then he won't make the team Wales coach Steve Hansen on Colin Charvis

"For the whole game Italy controlled the collision area and as a result they had a field day. As a team, and collectively as individuals, we have no excuses," he added.

One of the players who has come under increased criticism following the defeat is captain Colin Charvis.

Many have questioned his credentials in retaining the captaincy and indeed his place in the starting XV.

His cause was not help when he was substituted following a below-par performance.

Hansen has a great deal of work to do before his side play England

Hansen insists that he is willing to stand by his man for the moment, but has not guaranteed his place in the future.

"We will look at the performance of everyone. Colin is like every other player in the team. If his performance is not of the quality that we want, then he won't make the team.

"That means we will have to change the captain, but we don't pick the team until Wednesday so at this stage he is staying as captain."

Whether or not the Swansea and British Lions man does lead Wales out onto the Millennium Stadium field to face England remains to be seen.

Hansen however refuses to throw the towel in. His team may be on the ropes, but he is determined to send them out fighting.

"How we performed yesterday doesn't have anything to do with the game on Saturday.

"It's what we do between right now and the next kick-off and what we do during the 80 minutes against England. That is what will determine how we play."