Wales' iconic second line Alun Wyn Jones will make his comeback, starting on Saturday, against Italy in a match without much stake, for the 5th day of the Six Nations Tournament, announced the Welsh Rugby Federation on Tuesday .
It will be the 150th appearance of the second line in the jersey of the Red Devils, who is already the holder of the world record for selections but who had not played with the XV of the leek since the test match against New Zealand. last fall due to a shoulder injury.
Usual captain of the selection, however this time he will leave the responsibility to the opener Dan Biggar who occupied him throughout the Tournament and who will celebrate his 100th cap.
Among the changes in the starting XV, Wayne Pivac has decided to offer his first selection to Dewi Lake as a hooker.
Gareth Davies will start the tournament for the first time from the scrum, having only played as a substitute against Ireland on Matchday 1.
First also, this year, in the Tournament for the center Uilisi Halaholo, alongside Owen Watkin.
Johnny McNicholl returns to the back, while Louis Rees-Zammit returns to the starters, on the wing, with Josh Adams as his alter ego.
“
We made a few changes this week.
As we only have one match left, there are players that we want to see and that we have put in the 23
, "explained the coach, while defending himself from taking this match lightly.
“
We picked a team that can definitely do the job.
Clearly, that's what we're here for.
It's an opportunity to move up the rankings
,” he added.
Defending champions, the Welsh are only 5th for the time being, with one victory and three defeats, ahead of the Italians who have lost their four matches.
A win with a bonus could allow them to gain a place or two in the event of a severe defeat by the Scots in Ireland and England in France.
Composition of the XV of Wales against Italy:
McNicholl - Rees-Zammit, Watkin, Halaholo, Josh Adams - Biggar (o, cap.), G. Davies (m) - Navidi, Faletau, S. Davies - Wyn Jones, Beard - Lewis, Lake, G. Thomas
Subs: Roberts, Jones, Brown, Rowlands, Moriarty, Hardy, Sheedy, Tompkins.
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