Alun Wyn Jones will lead an experienced Wales side as they begin the defence of
their RBS 6 Nations crown against Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday
(Kick-off 2.30pm).
Jones, who last captained Wales against the Azzurri in
2009, is part of a side who have all tasted Six Nations success in recent
years.
The Ospreys skipper will line-up in the second-row with Perpignan's
Luke Charteris as Wales look to create history by becoming the first side to win
the tournament outright three times in succession.
In the front-row Paul
James (Bath Rugby) will win his 49th Wales cap alongside Richard
Hibbard (Ospreys) at hooker and Adam Jones (Ospreys), who will be taking to the
field for his 90th Welsh cap.
Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), player
of the tournament in 2012, lines up alongside Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric and
Newport Gwent Dragons number eight Taulupe Faletau in an all British and Irish
Lions back row.
Mike Phillips (Racing Metro) and Rhys Priestland (Scarlets)
who started all of Wales' 2012 Grand Slam fixtures, partner at
half-back.
Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) lines up alongside Scott Williams
(Scarlets) in the centre with Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert (both
Cardiff Blues) and George North (Northampton Saints) making up the
back-three.
"We are looking for a good start, we started slowly last
year and know we need to be ready from the off,” said
Gatland.
"Italy started last year's tournament with a win over France
so they will be ready on Saturday and we need to start well and build confidence
and momentum.
"It's a strong, experienced side, but there was a lot of
discussion about the selection which is a great position to be in as a
coach.
"We've almost everyone fit for selection which is pretty
rare.
"Alun-Wyn will lead the side with Sam starting on the bench and he has
come through training well.”
Scarlets front-row duo Ken Owens and
Rhodri Jones are named on the bench alongside Ospreys prop Ryan Bevington.
Squad captain Sam Warburton and Newport Gwent Dragons skipper Andrew Coombs
complete the forward replacements. Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb is joined by James Hook
(Perpignan) and Liam Williams (Scarlets) in the backs.
WALES SQUAD TO PLAY
ITALY:
Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff
Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), George North
(Northampton Saints), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro),
Paul James (Bath Rugby), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke
Charteris (Perpignan), Alun Wyn Jones (CAPT – Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Racing
Metro), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent
Dragons)
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Ryan Bevington (Ospreys),
Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Andrew Coombs (Newport Gwent Dragons), Sam Warburton
(Cardiff Blues), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan), Liam Williams
(Scarlets) |
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