Warren Gatland names Wales team to take on Italy
KO for Round 2 of the Six Nations in Rome is at 14:15 GMT.
Senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland has named the Wales team to play Italy in the second round of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, with KO at 14:15 GMT.
Wales are still looking for their first win in 13 games (competitive and friendlies)- their last win coming against The Barbarians in November 2023.
Taulupe Faletau is at No. 8- making his first appearance for the national side since the 43-19 Rugby World Cup win against Georgia in 2023.
Captain Jac Morgan (openside flanker) and James Botham (blindside flanker) join Faletau in the back row.
Eddie James will make his Guinness Six Nations debut, starting alongside Nick Tompkins in the Wales midfield.
Hooker Evan Lloyd and tighthead prop Henry Thomas make their second Test starts for Wales with Gareth Thomas again at loosehead.
Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins continue their second-row partnership, Tomos Williams (scrum-half) and Ben Thomas (fly-half) are again at half back.
Wings Josh Adams and Tom Rogers and fullback Liam Williams comprise the Wales back three.
Among the Wales replacements; Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas and Aaron Wainwright provide the forward cover.
Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards and Blair Murray are the replacement backs.
Gatland said: "This has been an important week with a lot of hard work put in during training.
"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 on Saturday."
Wales team vs Italy
Starting team:
- Liam Williams (Saracens – 93 caps)
- Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 6 caps)
- Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 39 capa)
- Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
- Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 60 caps)
- Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 8 caps)
- Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 60 caps)
- Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 36 caps)
- Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 6 caps)
- Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 5 caps)
- Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 37 caps)
- Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 20 caps)
- James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 17 caps)
- (c) Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 19 caps)
- Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby – 104 caps)
Substitutes:
- Elliot Dee (Dragons | Dreigiau – 52 caps)
- Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 50 caps)
- Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 11 caps)
- Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 2 caps)
- Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 53 caps)
- Rhodri Williams (Dragons | Dreigiau – 6 caps)
- Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 1 cap)
- Blair Murray (Scarlets – 4 caps)