In Italy Olive wood is rare because there are only a limited number of trees that can be sustainably harvested each year. In addition, it takes many years for an olive tree to mature enough to be harvested for wood, making it a highly sought-after commodity. This durable long lasting wood is used to make traditional spoons used in kitchens throughout Italy and beyond.

Whilst these wooden spoons are rare and much sought-after, the rugby equivalent is the exact opposite, but it has been in mass production in Italy since the Azzuri entered the Six Nations tournament back in 2000.

The bond between Wales and Italy is a very close one, particularly in the Welsh capital, and when heading northwards up in to the valleys.

There was a time when every little town and community in Wales had an Italian cafe and an ice cream parlour, many of them have now disappeared, superseded by multi-national chains, but the memories still remain, not just of the cafes, but also of the people who ran them and how they and their establishments became a centre of those communities.

As Wales and Italy prepared to battle it out for that unwanted piece of kitchenware, Cardiff’s wealth of Italian eateries filled up, Giovanni’s, Da Mara’s, Stefano’s and Antonio’s provided a conveyor belt service of antipasto, meatballs al forno and pizza.

Whilst the meatballs were mouthwatering Wales performance in a miserable defeat was unpalatable and left a bit aftertaste.

Despite the narrow score line this was a day when Wales were rudderless and error strewn.

An 11-0 Italian half time lead was the least Italy deserved against a Wales team who were poor in every facet of the game.

A converted try by Pani after 45mins stretched Italy’s lead to 18-0.

On 63mins Wales final got on the scoreboard with a converted try from Elliot Dee (18-5) Two further penalties from Garbisi and Page-Rolo gave Italy an unassailable 24-5 lead with 72 minutes on the clock.

Two converted tries for Wales by Will Rowlands and Mason Grady in the final two minutes of the match were a consolation that created the false impression of a close game.

Whilst the men in red cannot be faulted for effort their lack of physicality and error count were alarming, this was indeed a very dark day for welsh rugby.

You feel that Wales first wooden spoon since 2003 will not be their last.