Having lost their last seven Six Nations encounters since triumphing in the Stadio Olimpico two years ago, Gatland’s side also welcome back to the starting XV number eight Taulupe Faletau.
Faletau replaces Aaron Wainwright who suffered a facial injury in the 43-0 drubbing by France in Paris and will play for Wales for the first time since the World Cup pool victory against Georgia in October 2023.
A date that coincides with the last time Wales won a Test match having since suffered 13 successive international defeats.
In an unchanged front row Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd packs down with Scarlets Henry Thomas and Ospreys Gareth Thomas, while Racing 92’s Will Rowlands partners Dafydd Jenkins at lock.
One of the shining lights of the French defeat, Ospreys Jac Morgan once again leads the side and starts on one flank with Cardiff’s James Botham on the other, while Faletau has proved his fitness to start at number eight.
Cardiff utility man Ben Thomas is given the nod ahead of promising Ospreys star Dan Edwards at fly-half and is partnered by Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams.
James comes in for Ospreys Owen Watkin who is thought to have had a season ending knee injury to make up midfield with Saracens Nick Tompkins.
Josh Adams and Scarlets Tom Rogers will be looking for more ball on the wings this weekend in an unchanged back line, with Williams starting at full-back.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland said:
“We want to be accurate and disciplined on Saturday. It’s about our execution and how we manage the game.
“We know Italy are a quality side with physical players and are looking forward to a good contest. We’re excited for the challenge.”
Wales XV to face Italy:
Liam Williams, Tom Rogers, Nick Tompkins, Eddie James, Josh Adams; Ben Thomas,
Tomos Williams
Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham,
Jac Morgan (captain), Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements:
Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
