Richard Hibbard wants Wales to make an immediate statement of intent when they launch their bid for an unprecedented Six Nations title hat-trick this afternoon.

Wales, beaten just once in the last 10 Six Nations games, are red-hot favourites against Millennium Stadium visitors Italy.

Sterner tests await, notably against Ireland in Dublin today week and England at Twickenham in early March, but Wales hooker Hibbard believes this weekend is a chance to put down an early marker.

“We want to go out, do our best and really get our show on the road and let everyone stand back and think ‘Wales are here’,” he said.

“I am excited about the start, but it will be a tough game. The Italian pack is extremely experienced.”

Wales endured a dreadful opening to last season’s Six Nations as Ireland built a victory platform in Cardiff, but Hibbard and company then reeled off four successive wins, culminating with a 30-3 triumph against England that secured silverware.

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