Warren Gatland has announced his team to play Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, 8th February (kick-off 14:15, live on ITV1)
One of the main talking points of the team announcement is that Eddie James will get his first start in this crucial encounter in Rome. James who plays in the United Rugby Championship with the Scarlets has earned three caps off the bench for Wales with his only start being against Queensland Reds in an uncapped match last summer.
The big ball carrier has replaced Owen Watkin who suffered a potential season ending injury last week in Paris, which means the 22-year-old starts at inside centre.
Taulupe Faletau has also been named in the starting XV after missing last weekend due to a knee problem. He will play his first match for Wales since October 2023, with injury being the major factor of his absence from the international stage.
The biggest game in 15-20 years for Wales
Former Wales flyhalf, Dan Biggar ahead of the clash said that this match in the Enternal city on Saturday is the biggest in nearly two decades. A win will see the end of the drought of not winning and picking up their first Six Nations win in two years.
No Changes to the Front Row
After a spirited performance last week, Gareth Thomas remains at loosehead, as following a tough evening in Paris, Henry Thomas starts at tighthead. Despite having a yellow card at a bad time last timeout, Evan Lloyd remains in the two jersey.
Lock Pairing Stays in Tact
Both Dafydd Jenkins and Will Rowland after a wholehearted performance against Les Bleus remain strong in the XV
A Welcome Return in the Back Row
Faletau makes his long awaited return and is joined by captain Jac Morgan who remains at openside after a heroic performance at the Stade de France. Cardiff Rugby’s James Botham remains on the blindside.
A Shock in the halfbacks
Despite many making the argument that Dan Edwards should be starting, Ben Thomas remains in the ten shirt and is joined by Tomos Williams.
One Change in the Centre
James is joined by Nick Tompkins who had a night not to remember against France as he starts at outside centre.
Back three remain the same
Josh Adams, Tom Rogers and Liam Williams all remain in the starting XV despite concerns of the fitness of 33-year-old Williams.
Wales team to play Italy:
15. Liam Williams (Saracens, 93 Caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets, 6 Caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens, 39 Caps)
12. Eddie James (Scarlets, 3 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, 60 Caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby, 8 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby, 60 Caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys, 36 Caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby, 3 Caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets, 5 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92, 37 Caps)
5.Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs, 9 Caps)
6.James Botham (Cardiff Rugby, 17 Caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys, 19 Caps) – Captain
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby, 104 Caps)
Replacements
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons RFC, 52 Caps)
17. Nicky Thomas (Leicester Tigers, 50 Caps)
18. Kieron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby, 11 Caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby, 2 Caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons RFC, 53 Caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons RFC, 6 Caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys, 1 Cap)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets, 4 Caps)
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