Wales team v Italy: Taulupe Faletau makes long-awaited return as Warren Gatland hopes consistency will end horrific streak
Warren Gatland has made two changes to his starting XV.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made just two changes to his starting XV for the second round of the Six Nations against Italy.
Gatland’s charges head into the match on a 13-Test losing streak that stretches back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has backed consistency in his selection to end that horrific run of losses.
Wales‘ chances have been dealt a major boost though with world-class back-rower Taulupe Faletau set to earn his first cap for the side since the 43-19 win against Georgia at Rugby World Cup 2023 – the last time the team won an international fixture.
Warren Gatland makes two changes
Faletau replaces Aaron Wainwright at number eight with the latter dropping to the bench as Tommy Reffell misses out entirely despite a fine shift against France after replacing Wainwright early in the opening minutes of the hefty defeat to Les Bleus.
The only other change to the starting XV is an enforced one with Owen Watkin sustaining an injury in round one and he is replaced at inside centre by Scarlets star Eddie James who is set to earn his fourth cap for Wales and his first in the Six Nations.
James partners Nick Tompkins in the midfield with the rest of the backline remaining untouched with Liam Williams at full-back, Tom Rogers and Josh Adams on the wings while Tomos Williams and Ben Thomas are the nine and ten respectively.
Jac Morgan skippers the team from the side of the scrum with James Botham completing the loose trio at blindside flank. Props Gareth Thomas and Henry Thomas start either side of hooker Evan Lloyd as Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins combine in the engine room once again.
Wainwright is the only alternation to the bench with Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Keiron Assiratti providing front-row cover and Freddie Thomas as the replacement lock.
Dan Edwards could double his Test cap tally if he features off the bench after debuting against France as he provides backline cover with scrum-half Rhodri Williams and the versatile Blair Murray.
Commenting on the preparation for the clash, Gatland said: “This has been an important week with a lot of hard work put in during training.
“We know Italy are a quality side with physical players and are looking forward to a good contest. We’re excited for the challenge on Saturday.”
Wales team to face Italy
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
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Blair Murray
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Date: Saturday, 8 February, 2025
Kick-off: 15:15 local (14:15 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)
Assistant Referee 1: Paul Williams (NZR)
Assistant Referee 2: Sam Grove-White (SRU)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (FFR)
FPRO: Glenn Newman (NZR)
Broadcasters:?BBC, France Télévisions, Virgin Media One, Sky Sport / TV8 (Italy), Supersport (Africa), WOWOW (Japan), Premier Sports (Pan Asia), Stan Sport (Australia), Sky NZ (New Zealand), DAZN (Canada), NBC / Peacock / FuboTV (USA)
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