Mike Phillips has urged Wales to concentrate on beating Italy before worrying about points difference.
Scrum-half braced for Italian backlash
Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has urged his team-mates to concentrate on beating Italy before worrying about the consequences of points difference.
The Ospreys number nine will make his eighth start in nine Six Nations Tests during Warren Gatland's reign when Wales take on Italy in Rome on Saturday.
Phillips also arrives in the Italian capital on the rebound from a new experience - a Six Nations defeat under the Wales boss.
Wales' 21-16 defeat against a resurgent France was their first in the tournament since Italy beat them at Stadio Flaminio just over two years ago.
However, victory over the Azzurri would set up a probable title decider against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday week, with Wales chasing their third Six Nations crown in five seasons.
Accurate
And despite Italy conceding 100 points and 12 tries in losing their first three games this year, Phillips said: "We know it is going to be tough.
"It was like that last year against them in Cardiff, and it will be pretty much the same.
"We know we have to back our fitness and our skill and just be more precise and accurate when we have the ball. Then we can put up some points in the second half."
Wales' points difference is currently 23 worse than Ireland's, and the reigning champions know they must win with something to spare.
A repeat of their 38-8 triumph in the fixture four years ago would fit the bill.
Very proud
Phillips added: "We are aware of the need for points, but first and foremost we have to win the game. That is the most important thing for us.
"Italy haven't had a very good tournament and they will be looking for a big performance.
"We are the current champions but we are expecting a big 20 minutes from them. They will be fired up and full of energy.
"Their main asset is their physicality. They are very proud people who love their country and wearing the jersey.
"Hopefully, we can survive that and get some points on the board after that."
