Jonathan Davies will captain Wales for the first time as head coach Warren Gatland named 10 changes for the team to face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.
Centre Davies is one of five players to keep their place from Wales’ opening Six Nations win over France, alongside fullback Liam Williams, winger Josh Adams, lock Adam Beard and Josh Navidi, who moves to No. 8.
Dan Biggar starts at flyhalf in place of Gareth Anscombe while Aled Davies comes in for Tomos Williams at scrum-half. Owen Watkin will partner Davies in midfield. George North, who scored two tries in Wales’ comeback win in Paris, is not involved in the matchday squad and his place in the back three is taken by Jonah Holmes, who will win his second international cap.
Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee and Samson Lee form a new front row and Jake Bell replaces captain Alun Wyn Jones in the second row. Aaron Waitwright and Thomas Young, who will make his Six Nations debut in Rome, complete the Wales’ pack on the flanks.
Speaking ahead of the clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Gatland said the alternations will provide a number of players experience ahead of the Rugby World Cup in September.
“We have made a number of changes this weekend but have picked what we think is a very exciting team that still has huge experience throughout it,” Gatland said in a press release.
“We have made a similar number of changes to what we did last year, but it is all about opportunity for these players.
“We have had a squad of 31 training together, replicating the Rugby World Cup and it is important they get game-time.
“It is a great opportunity for Jon [Davies] as captain. He has a huge amount of experience, is a great leader and it is a great honour for him to lead his country.
“Italy will be hurting after last weekend but they are a different proposition in Rome. They are an experienced team themselves and they will be looking to put things right on the pitch after their opening defeat.”