Taulupe Faletau will play his first Test in more than a year as Wales look to end their record 13-match losing streak against Italy in Saturday’s Six Nations clash in Rome.
No 8 Faletau, 34, has been sidelined by injury since breaking his arm during Wales’ 43-19 victory over Georgia at the 2023 World Cup in France – the last time the team won a full international – with several fitness issues keeping him on the sidelines.
But the 104-Test Faletau is now back as one of two changes to the side thrashed 43-0 by France in last week’s first round of the Six Nations, coming in for Aaron Wainwright.
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Centre Eddie James makes his first Test start, replacing the injured Owen Watkin. Wainwright is on the bench after recovering from a facial injury suffered at the Stade de France, with Leicester flanker Tommy Reffell dropping out of the 23-man squad entirely.
Italy, who lost 31-19 to Scotland in Edinburgh last week, are also due to name their team on Thursday.
Wales – 15 Liam Williams, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Eddie James, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Ben Thomas, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 6 James Botham, 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Evan Lloyd, 1 Gareth Thomas.
Bench: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Blair Murray.
Six Nations round 2 fixtures
Saturday:
Italy v Wales, 4.15pm (Stadio Olimpico)
England v France, 6.45pm (Twickenham)
Sunday:
Scotland v Ireland, 5pm (Murrayfield)
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