Scarlets centre Eddie James is handed his Six Nations debut for Wales’ round two clash with Italy in Rome.
The 22-year-old Carmarthen product replaces the injured Owen Watkin as one of just two changes to the starting line-up following the opening loss to France in Paris.
Taulupe Faletau makes a long-awaited return at No. 8 in the other change – his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Fellow Scarlets Tom Rogers and Henry Thomas retain their jersey, while Blair Murray is again included among the replacements.
Head coach Warren 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 v Italy | Tîm Cymru v Yr Eidal
15. Liam Williams (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 93 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 6 caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens | Saraseniaid – 39 caps)
12. Eddie James (Scarlets – 3 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 60 caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 8 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 60 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys | Gweilch – 36 caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 6 caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 37 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs | Caerwysg – 20 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 17 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys | Gweilch – 19 caps) – captain | capten
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 104 caps)
Eilyddion
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons | Dreigiau – 52 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers | Caerlŷr – 50 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby | Caerdydd – 11 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby | Caerloyw – 2 caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons | Dreigiau – 53 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons | Dreigiau – 6 caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys | Gweilch – 1 cap)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 4 caps)