Six Nations: Eddie James and Taulupe Faletau brought in by Warren Gatland for Wales’ trip to Italy

Eddie James and Taulupe Faletau have been brought into Wales’ starting XV as Warren Gatland makes two changes for Saturday’s game against Italy in Rome. 

James, 22, comes in for his Six Nations debut at inside centre in place of the injured Owen Watkin, while experienced No 8 Faletau returns for his first Test appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup due to a long spell out with injury.

Aaron Wainwright drops to the bench having been replaced due to a facial injury against France in Paris last week, while fellow back-row Tommy Reffell drops out of the squad entirely.

Wales’ 43-0 thrashing in France last Friday extended their record losing run to 13 Test matches, with that sequence including their last seven Six Nations games.

One of those was against Italy at the Principality Stadium on the final weekend of last year’s competition as Gatland’s side went down 24-21. The visitors also won in Cardiff in 2022, with Wales triumphing a year later – the last time they played in Rome.

The rest of the Wales squad remains the same as round one with Liam Williams, Tom Rogers and Josh Adams making up the back three, Nick Tompkins in the centre alongside James, with Tomos Williams and Ben Thomas again the half-backs.

Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands and Dafydd Jenkins make up the tight five, while James Botham and captain Jac Morgan complete the back-row with Faletau.

“This has been an important week with a lot of hard work put in during training,” said Gatland.

“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: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Tom Rogers, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Eddie James, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Ben Thomas, 9 Tomos Williams; 1 Gareth Thomas, 2 Evan Lloyd, 3 Henry Thomas, 4 Will Rowlands, 5 Dafydd Jenkins, 6 James Botham, 7 Jac Morgan (c), 8 Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Keiron Assiratti, 19 Freddie Thomas, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Dan Edwards, 23 Blair Murray.

Six Nations fixtures: Round Two

Saturday February 8

Italy vs Wales (2.15pm)
England vs France (4.45pm)

Sunday February 9

Scotland vs Ireland (3pm)

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