The openside flanker got the nod to start at the Stadio Olimpico with Warburton having to make do with a place on the bench despite recovering from injury - and leading his nation to a World Cup semi-final only 16 months ago.

An upturn in Wales’ form has coincided with the return of Tipuric to the side after an eight-game losing streak, but the 23-year-old insisted he is focused solely on the side’s next game in Scotland on March 9.

“I try just to concentrate on the rugby,” said Tipuric, who also started in the Wales win in France in their previous outing.

“I don’t read the papers or look at Twitter. I just go out and try to enjoy myself.”

Wales prevented Italy crossing the try-line on Saturday despite the support of a passionate Italian crowd, and the former Aberavon player insisted the team’s defensive qualities were something to build on in their remaining games.

“We know how good our defence is, we make sure we use that as a strength,” he told WalesOnline. “It’s about concentration at international level. It was an excellent win. It’s about building momentum.

“We didn’t have the best of starts to the championship, but we’ve got two wins now and we’ve just got to concentrate on Scotland.”