Ryan Jones reckons Wales owe their fans a big display in the RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy tomorrow at the Millennium Stadium.
Jones returns to lead the Dragons after missing the defeat in Ireland last weekend with a calf injury.
But the Wales skipper admits Warren Gatland’s men have fallen short of their own expectations during a wretched Six Nations campaign.
Jones, 28, said: “It has been frustrating and disappointing. We have found ourselves at the wrong end of the table but it’s been from our own making. We have lost games through our mistakes and we have to put our own house in order.
“The expectation is always there from the supporters. We want to give them something to cheer about and finish the campaign on a high. We owe the fans a big performance. It’s a must-win game for us.”
Wales have British Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips and prop Gethin Jenkins fit and will make 18-year-old Tom Prydie their youngest ever Test player in the showdown in Cardiff.
But, following a poor run of three wins in their last seven matches, Jones insists he has been forced to rally his troops.
Jones added: “Different people deal with the disappointment of a loss in different ways.
“Some of the players took a lot of stick at the weekend and we’ve had to rally around them to make sure they perform. We need those characters.
“But having Mike and Gethin back is a huge plus for us. They have a vast amount of experience and lead by example.
“Everyone is equal in the squad and we want Tom to be as comfortable as possible. We can’t afford to carry anyone at international level but he’s in the side on merit.
“It’s a great experience for Tom but he will have to do his fair share of work.”
