Alun Wyn Jones has been named on the bench for Wales' RBS 6 Nations fixture against Italy on Saturday, taking the number of Ospreys included in the matchday 23 up to seven - the largest representation in the team.
Captain Ryan Jones will once again lead the six strong contingent in the starting line-up, and will be joined by Dan Biggar, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Ian Evans and Justin Tipuric, with Ospreys skipper Alun Wyn among the replacements.
Interim head coach Rob Howley confirmed last week that an unchanged line-up will take to the field at the Stadio Olimpico, and today he named his full squad for the trip to Rome which features just two changes, both of which occur on the bench with the return from injury of Sam Warburton (Blues) and Alun Wyn.
The experienced duo replace Aaron Shingler and Lou Reed respectively, with the make-up of the rest of the replacements unchanged from the victory in Paris.
“We announced last week that we would reward the starting XV that beat France by keeping faith with the same line-up for this weekend’s game,” said Howley.
“The side is fit and raring to go and on the bench we have brought in Sam (Warburton) and Alun Wyn (Jones), who have both returned from injury which is a boost to the squad.
“In France the players showed real determination and resilience and we will need that again in Rome.
“Italy have already showed so far in this campaign what they are capable of, so we know the challenge we will be facing on Saturday.”
WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Andrew Coombs, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (captain), Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.
Replacements: Ken Owens, Paul James, Craig Mitchell, Alun Wyn Jones, Sam Warburton, Lloyd Williams, James Hook, Scott Williams.