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So, the Six Nations title has gone. It was pretty much that way by half-time at Twickenham, but in truth Wales have been off the pace the whole tournament.

One paced in offence, porous and passive in defence.

Wales have contributed little to a poor quality, forgettable Championship.

There have been a few exceptions. Taulupe Faletau, who carries in such contrast to the others in the team. He runs at gaps, tries to beat a man and generates just a fleeting burst of excitement.

Ken Owens does the same from the bench and Gareth Davies has had his moments.

(Image: Getty Images)

But the disappointment in Wales’ performances comes from the fact that they are not a side in development.

This is not a rebuilding project at the beginning of a four-year cycle. This is an established and experienced side.

It has continuity in the coaching department and they have spent weeks and weeks together over the last year.

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The question I ask myself after four games of the tournament is 'Have we wasted a Six Nations?' Have we improved since the World Cup?

Obviously not, is the answer.

Have we unearthed new talent? Rob Evans. One player in four games is not a great return.

Are we closing the gap on the best teams in the world? Emphatically no.

International rugby is changing. We have just witnessed a World Cup which showed that the southern hemisphere sides are playing a different game to us in the north.

Even Argentina have moved away from their narrow scrum and maul game and have embraced a high skill more creative philosophy.

The game is faster, the ball is in play more time, there are more passes and more tackles.

But you don’t need stats to tell you that watching New Zealand versus Australia is a totally different experience compared to watching Wales play France a fortnight ago.

In the southern hemisphere players are lighter, faster, more agile, comfortable in space and with excellent core skills in handling the ball and in the contact.

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Wales were so error strewn last Saturday that it made little difference what type of game they were trying to play.

With that many mistakes, you’ve got no chance. But when I heard Warren Gatland state that the game plan against England was to slam it up the number ten channel the whole day, I realised that Wales were not moving forward anyway.

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To me it’s not about selecting different types of players to change the way you play. If Wales did nothing more than pick Matthew Morgan for example, but continued to play the same way, how much difference would there be?

World Rugby produced a report on last season’s Six Nations, where they compared those thrilling ‘Super Saturday’ games with the other games in the tournament.

Incredibly there was virtually no difference between them... other than tries scored.

There were the same number of scrums, lineouts passes and kicks. They demonstrated that there was no quantitative difference between the last round of games and the 12 others played earlier.

They concluded the difference was because “coaching priorities and imperatives change from defence to offence”.

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That’s the essence of it in one short sentence Gatland used the term ‘shackles are off” ahead of that match. To me that implies the shackles are firmly on for the rest of the time.

When you next hear someone say that New Zealand kick the ball more often than we do, it means absolutely nothing. You only need to watch the two teams play to see the gulf in approach.

I think we have the players who can embrace this more creative way of playing. We can still be direct at times and can have a sound defence.

England are doing so. When their back three get the ball, the only thought in their mind is to run. Even Scotland look to run at teams and open the game up.

Wales will beat Italy no doubt, but meaningless last game victories are somewhat hollow.

Wales’ next four games are against England again, then the three Tests in New Zealand.

We need a win for confidence but we need a bit more than that, otherwise it will be a harsh summer indeed.

ON THE OTHER HAND, SALUTE THE UNDER-20s WHO PLAY THE WELSH WAY...

Wales' under-20s team have been a shining example of quality rugby.

They have played with pace and width. They have defended manfully and have had to show considerable fortitude in a few tough matches.

They overwhelmed England with skill, speed and ambition. There are some truly talented individuals in the side who will be playing regular regional rugby soon.

Only Italy can prevent a Grand Slam and that seems very unlikely.

It would be unfair to pick out individuals as this has truly been a squad effort.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Jason Strange and his coaching team have got this side playing in a style that looks Welsh.

I cannot put my finger on what it is and I doubt very much that any stats will be able to define it either.

But you recognise it when you see it. It’s exciting and passionate. it’s a pleasure to watch and it can win big matches. Good luck to the under-20s, our hope in this Six Nations.

*Gwyn Jones is a member of S4C’s Clwb Rygbi Rhyngwladol presentation team, bringing coverage of each of Wales’ RBS 6 Nations matches in Welsh. Watch Wales v Italy, Saturday, 19 March, from 1.45pm, kick off 2.30pm.

S4C will also bring a web broadcast of Wales Women v Italy Women, Sunday, 20 March, from 2pm, exclusive on s4c.cymru.

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