Taulupe Faletau is set to make his long-awaited return to Test rugby as Wales face Italy in the Guinness Six Nations on Saturday. The 34-year-old number eight, who has earned 104 Wales caps and played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, will feature for the first time in 16 months following a series of injury setbacks.
Faletau has been sidelined since breaking his arm during Wales’ World Cup pool stage victory over Georgia in 2023. His return marks one of two changes made by head coach Warren Gatland following last week’s 43-0 thrashing by France.
Scarlets centre Eddie James will make his first Test start in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico as Wales look to end a record-breaking 13-match losing streak in international rugby. The 21-year-old replaces Owen Watkin, who suffered a serious knee injury in Paris. James has made three Test appearances from the bench but will now have his chance in the starting XV.
Wales have not lost in Rome since 2007, but they have been defeated by the Azzurri in two of their last three encounters. A loss on Saturday would leave Wales staring at the prospect of a winless Six Nations campaign and the dreaded wooden spoon, piling further pressure on Gatland.
The Welsh squad has spent the week preparing on the Côte d’Azur in the south of France, with Gatland emphasising the importance of precision and discipline.
“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.”
Back-row forward Aaron Wainwright, who suffered a nasty facial cut against France, returns to the matchday squad on the replacements’ bench.
Wales Team to Face ItalyStarting XV: Liam Williams (Saracens); Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Nick Tompkins (Saracens), Eddie James (Scarlets), Josh Adams (Cardiff); Ben Thomas (Cardiff), Tomos Williams (Gloucester); Gareth Thomas (Ospreys), Elliot Dee (Cardiff), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), Will Rowlands (Racing 92), Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter), James Botham (Cardiff), Jac Morgan (Ospreys, capt), Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff).
Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons), Nicky Smith (Leicester), Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff), Fraser Thomas (Gloucester), Aaron Wainwright (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Dragons), Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Ben Murray (Scarlets).
Faletau returns as Wales seek to end record losing streak against Italy
