WARREN Gatland believes Ross Moriarty is putting the heat on Wales’ quartet of quality back rowers after a superb Six Nations debut against Italy.

The head coach has long benefited from having four terrific options in Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric.

He now has Gloucester powerhouse Moriarty snapping at their heels after an impressive display in the crushing 67-14 victory against the Azzurri in Cardiff.

The 21-year-old was called from the bench early on when openside Tipuric, who was deputising for injured captain Warburton, was forced off with a head injury.

Moriarty responded with a performance that may well have taken the man of the match honours were it not for wing George North hitting top gear.

The flanker, winning his fifth cap, scored two tries, carried 11 times, made 43 metres and totted up nine tackles.

"Ross was outstanding. He went on early, Tips has gone to hospital for observation, and I thought he carried the ball well,” said Gatland, who said the other back rowers would be “pooping themselves” with “another one knocking at the door”.

"He has got a bit about him, which we knew. He hasn't had many opportunities. He is a lovely ball-carrier, very direct, and we are very lucky to have him in our squad.

"Sometimes, you have just got to be patient and wait your time, and he has done that. He made a huge contribution to the game.”

Wales ran riot in their Six Nations finale with scrum-halves Rhys Webb and Gareth Davies, fly-half Dan Biggar, centres Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts, wing George North and full-back Liam Williams joining Moriarty (2) in crossing the whitewash.

It has been a mixed campaign for Gatland and his team, who were ultimately left to rue letting a lead slip late on in the draw in Ireland and leaving it far too late against champions England at Twickenham.

“It’s been a funny campaign. I understand there’s a massive expectation and we’ve been criticised in the past for the way we’ve played, even though we’ve been successful,” said the head coach.

“We spoke about trying to change the way we play at the start of the competition. It doesn’t happen overnight, It takes time.

“We haven’t quite clicked in the campaign but there have been times when we have and we showed something that we can develop.

“We’ve got to continue to work and get better but we showed some nice improvements and developments.”