Taulupe Faletau is set to make a return to international rugby after an agonising 16 months away, as he lines up for Wales in their Guinness Six Nations match against Italy.
The venerable 34-year-old, boasting 104 caps for Wales and five British and Irish Lions Test appearances, is one of the two fresh faces in the squad that experienced a severe 43-0 defeat against France last week.
Faletau’s last Test outing was curtailed by a broken arm suffered during a World Cup pool win over Georgia in 2023, and subsequent fitness setbacks have kept him sidelined since.
With this match, Faletau distinguishes himself as the fifth most capped Welsh player solo, trailing behind legends Alun Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, George North, and Dan Biggar.
Scarlets’ Eddie James is also prepared to make his first start for Wales in the Test arena, stepping in for injured Owen Watkin, whose knee took a hit in Paris.
Head coach Warren Gatland said: “This has been an important week with a lot of hard work put in during training. We want to be accurate and disciplined on Saturday. It’s about our execution and how we manage the game.
“We know Italy are a quality side with physical players and are looking forward to a good contest. We’re excited for the challenge on Saturday.”
Aaron Wainwright, who bore a significant facial injury against France, will position himself among the substitutes this weekend.
Wales have maintained an unbeaten record in Rome since 2007, despite suffering two defeats to the Azzurri in their last three encounters.
The Welsh squad, under Gatland’s leadership, has been preparing for this crucial match on the Cote d’Azur in southern France, a game that is being touted as one of the most significant for Welsh rugby in recent times.
A loss to Italy could potentially leave Wales facing a second Six Nations tournament without a win and the dreaded wooden spoon, which would undoubtedly put Gatland’s role under severe scrutiny.
Wales’ starting line-up vs Italy
L Williams (Saracens); T Rogers (Scarlets), N Tompkins (Saracens), E James (Scarlets), J Adams (Cardiff); B Thomas (Cardiff), T Williams (Gloucester); G Thomas (Ospreys), E Lloyd (Cardiff), H Thomas (Scarlets), W Rowlands (Racing 92), D Jenkins (Exeter), J Botham (Cardiff), J Morgan (Ospreys, capt), T Faletau (Cardiff).
Replacements
E Dee (Dragons), N Smith (Leicester), K Assiratti (Cardiff), F Thomas (Gloucester), A Wainwright (Dragons), R Williams (Dragons), D Edwards (Ospreys), B Murray (Scarlets).
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
The post Wales rugby star to make first appearance in 16 months at Six Nations vs Italy | Rugby | Sport first appeared on Rugby 247.
—-
Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-02-06 12:56:39
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.