WARREN Gatland has labelled Wales’ lack of enthusiasm and energy in the first half of their Six Nations loss to England as unacceptable.

Wales saw their title hopes go up in smoke after being beaten 25-21 at Twickenham, leaving their charge too late after heading into half-time 16-0 down.

They will be playing for second place when they welcome Italy to Cardiff on final weekend while England head to Paris chasing a first Grand Slam since 2003.

Gatland was at a loss as to how his charges were so lethargic for much of the Test given what was at stake.

“I gave them a rev up at half-time and said you need some enthusiasm, some energy out there,” said the New Zealander.

“I spoke in the box, sent the message on after 25 minutes: ‘do we need to make changes and get some fresh legs on?’ “It was really unlike us, it was a really poor first 40 minutes. England had something like 80 percent territory and possession.

“But then we showed what we are capable of doing in the second half. It was a game of two halves. I have said to the players only they can answer that question why they were so flat or lethargic in that first half because we have trained well all week.

“It was a massive game, so much to play for, so much on the line and unfortunately we didn’t turn up for those first 40 minutes.”

“We prepared the same as we normally do,” he continued. “I have said to the players about being honest about why we were so flat at the start.

“At this level it is just not acceptable as far as I am concerned, it is very disappointing. We did rectify things, we scored three tries to one and played some pretty good rugby in the second half.”

Gatland must now mull over what changes he will make for the visit of the Azzurri, who were crushed 58-15 in Ireland, to Principality Stadium.

“I thought some guys came off the bench and did a really good job for us,” he said. Ken Owens was outstanding in the way that he carried the ball and gave us some go-forward.

“We need to look at potentially an opportunity for players and continuing to develop the depth of the squad as well.

“It may be a case of making a few changes but we’ve also got to be smart in how we do things because if England beat France to win the Grand Slam then we are playing for second.”

Captain Sam Warburton was stretchered off after being caught in the head by the boot of lock Alun Wyn Jones. The flanker was sitting up in the changing room afterwards and will be monitored by the medical team.