Wales bring in Faletau and James for Italy clash

Faletau missed last week's crushing 43-0 defeat in France due to a knee injury, but the 34-year-old has been passed fit for this weekend's trip to Rome.

He will replace Aaron Wainwright – who suffered a nasty gash to his head last time out – for his first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup, having suffered several injuries in the last 18 months.

Head coach Warren Gatland said of the number eight's return: "He brings experience and a little bit of X factor. We know what an outstanding player he's been in the past for Wales.

"He hasn't had a lot of games in the last few years. Just having him back gives everyone a bit of confidence. In terms of the way he's trained, he's looked good.

"Hopefully with him, we are looking for some of those special traits he has to get us on the front foot and hopefully to inspire the players around him."

Gatland has also handed James his first Wales start at centre, with Owen Watkin ruled out for the rest of the tournament after sustaining a serious knee injury.

Wales have lost their last 13 matches overall, the longest losing run in their Test history, with their last three defeats all coming by more than 30 points.

A loss on Saturday would be their seventh in a row in the Six Nations, equalling their worst-ever streak in the championship (including Four/Five Nations), between 1994 and 1996.

Head coach Warren Gatland on today's team announcement for our 2025 @SixNationsRugby clash in Rome! #GuinnessM6N | #ITAvWAL pic.twitter.com/wzpQIx9ChU

— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 6, 2025

Wales starting XV: 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 (c), Taulupe Faletau.