Six Nations: Italy 30-22 Wales Preview: Wales v Italy

Steve Hansen's side were battered by the Azzurri in February's 30-22 Six Nations defeat in Rome, and while much of the Welsh squad have dismissed the game as irrelevant Thomas admits that it still rankles.

"They outplayed us, they outmuscled us and deserved to win the game," said the 29-year-old, who needs just one try to equal Ieuan Evans' Welsh record of 33.

"But that is something that will gee us up - we didn't perform as well as we could and it will be a case of revenge come the weekend.

"When we lost we took a lot of flak and criticism and that is what makes this game even bigger for us."

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Thomas has a reputation as something of a maverick in the national squad, a man always willing to speak his mind, and he also seems to have departed from the party line in giving the Italian match the billing it deserves.

It's the biggest game I have played in for Wales Gareth Thomas Wales opt for flair

Coach Steve Hansen has predictably dead-panned the quarter-final decider as "a big game, but we play lots of big games." Thomas has a different message.

"It's now or never for us," said the winger. "It's the biggest game I have played in for Wales and I am sure it is for most of the other boys.

"For the team, the coaches, the fans back home who have supported us through some real bad times, I think for everyone involved in Welsh rugby, it would be great if we could go through to the quarter-finals.

"Saturday is a big game, for a place in the quarter-finals and to restore some pride into each nation's rugby."