Warren Gatland denies Italy clash is ‘biggest Wales game for 20 years’ - Number eight veteran Taulupe Faletau returns to the starting line-up after a 16-month absence through injury.

Warren Gatland will name his Wales team to play Italy this morning. Eddie James is being tipped to replace the injured Owen Watkin in the centre, with Ben Thomas expected to keep the number 10 jersey. It's hoped Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright will both be fit to make the matchday 23.

Games don't get much bigger than this for Wales, given the truly terrible run of form they're on, but this is a chance for them to change the narrative.

Warren Gatland says Wales cannot hide away from the importance of a Six Nations appointment with Italy in Rome after they were demolished 43-0 by France. They suffered a record Six Nations loss against France, and it was the first time since the tournament began 25 years ago that Wales failed to score a point against Six Nations opposition.

Wales on record run of 13 Test defeats after 43-0 defeat by France and have lost last seven matches in Six Nations; centre Eddie James and No 8 Taulupe Faletau come into Warren Gatlands side for Saturdays trip to Italy as Owen Watkin,

Veteran loose forward Taulupe Faletau will play his first game for Wales since the 2023 Rugby World Cup after being named at No. 8 to face Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Faletau is not ready for Friday’s Six Nations opener with France due to injury with hope that he will be fit for the clash with Italy