Wales are the current wooden spoon holders after losing to Italy in Cardiff and ending last year's tournament below the Azzurri, who ended their own miserable run of eight straight last-place finishes.

Italy show faith with the side defeated by Scotland in the opening round of the Six Nations with just the one change to face Wales on Saturday.

Wales have named their team to face Italy in round two of the Six Nations. Taulupe Faletau starts the game, and will represent Wales for the first time since the World Cup in 2023. Scarlets centre Eddie James is handed his first ever start in the red jersey, and will partner up with Nick Tompkins in the midfield.

Veteran loose forward Taulupe Faletau will play his first game for Wales since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named on Thursday in the starting line up for their vital Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome on Saturday.