Replacement: Sam Warburton
Wales interim head coach Rob Howley has named an unchanged starting XV to face Italy in the Six Nations, with Sam Warburton on the bench.
Ryan Jones once again captains the side after victory against France in Paris, with regular captain Sam Warburton returning on the bench after missing the last match through injury.
Ospreys lock Alun Wyn Jones returns from injury to win a spot on the bench alongside Warburton in the only two changes to the 22.
"It is one of the toughest places to go in Europe," said Howley.
"I think they have got a great set-piece, and it is important we stop them at source and impact the game on what we want to bring to the 80 minutes.
"We've always had a tough outing against Italy, home or away. They are very difficult to break down, they are very well organised, they've got some world-class players and they are coached very well.
"It is a good challenge for us. On the back of winning in France, we realise that one win isn't good enough. It is about some momentum, and we need to go out there and beat Italy.
"The key for the weekend is discipline. It is the one thing we will talk about between now and then."
"With Alun-Wyn and Sam on the bench, that experience and impact is so important," Howley added.
"The last 20-25 minutes in games are key, and having their experience is a priceless commodity. I am sure they will have a huge impact on the weekend.
"Sam is fully fit, he's taken an active part in training, and it's great to have that experience. International rugby is about 23 players.
"Sam will go on to play many games for Wales and captain Wales. He is the ultimate professional. He is very grounded, and he understands regarding the decision that it was the best for the team.
"He has been fantastic in training, and he is obviously looking forward to making a difference when he goes on."
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 George North, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Toby Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ryan Jones (c), 5 Ian Evans, 4 Andrew Coombs, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Paul James, 18 Craig Mitchell, 19 Alun Wyn Jones, 20 Sam Warburton, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 James Hook, 23 Scott Williams.
Kick-off: 15:30 (14:30 GMT)
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Pascal Gauzere (France)
Television match official: Geoff Warren (England)
Comments
carpelone says...
jontheref
I agree on Poite. His management of Wal-Ire game was appalling. In addition to his incompetence at scrumtime, he allowed first too much slow down of the Irish and then, when Wales retaliated, he failed to punish couple of stamping.
For me, the best backline would be:
Phillips, Hook, North, Roberts, Davies, Halfpenny, Byrne.
Still unconvinced about Cuthbert and Biggar.
Posted 13:35 20th February 2013
carpelone says...
It is going to be close. Keeping the squad is sensible. Still Biggar is not Test material yet and he could prove to be a liability come Saturday. Wales may struggle at set-piece while their forward are looking dangerous in the loose.
Jonathan Davies could be the match winner for Wales.
Posted 10:21 20th February 2013
jontheref says...
Luscarg,
agree with you, they need variation in the backs.
Williams at 12, or Hook at 10.
Even Eli Walker, to give some magic and variation, (though I believe he is injured.)
Only cloud on the horizon is M Poite as ref. Knows FA about who takes the scrum down.
Gives the PK to the retreating scrum.
melkdave, don't you watch the games?
Adam Jones does more than a lot of other props in the loose, just watch the game, and you will see the clean up work he does.
I think Wales have enough to do it.
But then changes must be made, though doubt Howley will!
Posted 09:07 20th February 2013
Lucasrg says...
With this squad, Italy should respond with better scrum half tackler as Philips will run a lot, ball in hands. So my pick is Gori at 9. Considering a Parisse's ban on the horizon, Barbieri should start at 8 and Favaro in as he loves tackling hard. It is going to be a great clash of great flankers. Tipuric should had start since the first games, he is really good and great work-rate. Ryan Jones is also my favorite and Wales need him so much, more than Sam. Imo Scott Williams should start. Jamie Roberts is a good chap but too mono-dimensional.
Let's see what Brunel gonna do with his squad. Hopefully a great day of Rugby this Saturday.
Posted 18:16 19th February 2013
melkdave says...
No surprise,Howley said he would reward the players for the Paris win ,with an unchanged line up.Also why change a wining team,thats hopefully got some confidance.@Haldir,think it going to take a bit more than removeing Roberts and Phillips for long term success A.Jones should go now ,his just not performing in the scrum,and his absolutly useless in the loose,Lions contender,in dreamland maybe in RW no chance in hell his going to Australia.
Posted 15:55 19th February 2013
Haldir says...
Good decision. Now all you've got to do is remove Phillips and Roberts, and you'll be on your way to success again!
Posted 14:05 19th February 2013