Overview

• Taulupe Faletau, capped 104 times for Wales, returns to the starting lineup after a 16-month absence due to injuries, including a broken arm and a fractured shoulder.
• Faletau replaces Aaron Wainwright, who sustained a facial injury last week but has been cleared to feature on the bench.
• Eddie James, a 22-year-old center with three caps off the bench, earns his first Test start, replacing Owen Watkin, who suffered a suspected knee ligament tear against France.
• Wales is attempting to end a record 13-match losing streak, their last victory being a Rugby World Cup pool match against Georgia in October 2023.
• Coach Warren Gatland emphasizes the need for accuracy and discipline against Italy, who lost to Scotland 31-19 in their Six Nations opener.