Warren Gatland

Wales have made 2 changes in their front row to face Italy in their final Six Nations encounter of the season, in Rome on Saturday.

Rob Evans and Aaron Jarvis come into the starting 15, replacing the injured duo of Gethin Jenkins (hamstring) and Samson Lee (Achilles).

The team which will take to the field at the Stadio Olimpico is otherwise unchanged team.

Evans will make his first start as he wins his 2nd cap in Rome and will line-up alongside Ospreys duo Scott Baldwin and Jarvis.

Luke Charteris and Alun Wyn Jones continue in the second row with Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau lining up alongside captain Sam Warburton in the back row.

The backline remains unchanged with Rhys Webb (No 9) and Dan Biggar (No 10) at halfback, Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies in the centre and a back 3 of George North, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny.

“It was great to get the result we wanted in front of our home supporters last weekend and to give us a chance going into the last round of action,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“Obviously it’s disappointing for Gethin and Samson, but Rob and Aaron stepped up well last weekend and we expect the same on Saturday.

“The challenge to us is to go to Italy and win, and try and win by a significant margin, but we know that’s an extremely tough ask and the first job will be to simply get the result.

“Italy build their confidence around the scrum and line-out drive and that’s an area we are going to have to compete strongly in at the start of the match.”

On the bench, Ken Owens returns to the matchday squad for the first time since South Africa last June, after recovering from injury.

Saracens prop Rhys Gill, who was called up to train with the squad this week, is named on the bench alongside Scott Andrews as the front row cover.

Jake Ball and Justin Tipuric complete the forward replacements.

Scarlets trio Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland and Scott Williams provide the backline cover.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Warburton (Captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Aaron Jarvis, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Rob Evans
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams.

Date: Saturday 21 March
Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Kick-Off: 14:30 SA Time (13:30 Italian Time, 12:30 BST & GMT)
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: JP Doyle (England), Luke Pearce (England)
TMO: Simon McDowell (Ireland)