Wales announce team to face Italy

“I’m delighted to name an experienced team for the game against Italy and to welcome back five players who missed out on the opportunity against South Africa in the autumn," commented Rob Howley.

“The Six Nations is a special tournament and we feel this is the best side selected to start the campaign, we want to get off to a good start and we feel experience will be vital in that.

“We know we are going to Rome to face a hugely motivated and very competitive Italian side.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ITALY:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon) (66 Caps)
George North (Northampton Saints) (65 Caps)
Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) (59 Caps)
Scott Williams (Scarlets) (41 Caps)
Liam Williams (Scarlets) (38 Caps)
Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (51 Caps)
Rhys Webb (Ospreys) (23 Caps)

Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (7 Caps)
Ken Owens (Scarlets) (45 Caps)
Samson Lee (Scarlets) (29 Caps)
Jake Ball (Scarlets) (21 Caps)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)(105 Caps) (CAPTAIN)
Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) (69 Caps)
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (46 Caps)
Ross Moriarty (Gloucester Rugby) (12 Caps)
 
Replacements:

Scott Baldwin (Ospreys) (28 Caps)
Rob Evans (Scarlets) (12 Caps)
Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (17 Caps)
Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons) (3 Caps)
James King (Ospreys) (10 Caps)
Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (21 Caps)
Sam Davies (Ospreys) (3 Caps)
Jamie Roberts (Harlequins) (86 Caps)

With three wins, one draw and one loss, Wales ended the 2016 Six Nations Championship as runners-up.

They are hoping to start their 2017 Six Nations campaign with a win when they go against Italy on Sunday at Stadio Olimpico.

The Welsh will play two home matches (vs England and Ireland) and three away matches (vs Italy, Scotland and France) in the 2017 Six Nations Championship.