Immediately after the France loss, another former Wales fly-half, Dan Biggar, described Saturday’s game against Italy as the “biggest match for the last 15-20 years”.
It was a view which Gatland disagreed with on Thursday, though he added that Wales are “desperate to get a win”.
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales on Friday, Biggar said he understood Gatland’s opinion, but reiterated the importance of the game.
“Clearly a round-two game against Italy when you’re not competing for the title is on the face of it not as big as a World Cup semi-final,” said Biggar.
“But the ramifications of not picking up a win tomorrow are huge with what’s to come and a tricky tour to Japan off the back of the Six Nations.
“Some of these players have only played in the Welsh jersey for the last 10-12 matches and haven’t experienced victory.
“It’s all about the ramifications of not winning on Saturday, rather than it being bigger than a Grand Slam decider.
“If it doesn’t happen tomorrow it is tough to see where Wales’ next win comes from.”
Biggar, who won 112 caps for Wales, said he believes the game against Italy is “a coin toss”.
“I think tomorrow represents a really positive opportunity for this Welsh group to instil some much-needed positivity,” added Biggar.
“Italy are ranked very similarly to Wales and struggled a little bit in the autumn.
“It’s huge for both sides, and I’ve been saying all week that the game is absolutely a coin toss.
“Wales need to make sure that they fall on the right side of the coin and bring some positivity back to Welsh rugby.”
