The Wales Head Coach has taken the original step of naming his side well in advance of Italy’s visit to Cardiff on Saturday, 23 February, so giving the maximum preparation time to his new-look team striving to win three games on the bounce for the first time since 2005.
WRU Audio: Robin McBryde on the Wales team selection
WRU Video: Warren Gatland on the Wales team selection
In the backs, experienced half-back pairing Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel – who boast 127 caps between them – replace Mike Phillips and James Hook, who both move to the bench. Mark Jones also returns after missing out against Scotland in place of wing debutant Jamie Roberts.
Up front, Wales field an entirely new front row with 55-times capped prop Gethin Jenkins partnering Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees and Dragons tight head prop Rhys Thomas.
The second row Ospreys pairing of Ian Evans and Ian Gough remains intact and last weekend’s man-of-the-match Martyn Williams retains his influence alongside captain Ryan Jones and Jonathan Thomas in an unchanged back row. Alun-Wyn Jones was not considered for selection due to injury.
“Our focus is now entirely on Italy, we’ve made six changes, but are in the enviable position of being able to do so without weakening our line-up,” said Gatland.
“Players have put their hands up with performances from the bench and in Stephen, Dwayne, Mark and Gethin we are a bringing a wealth of experience and talent into the side.
“Gareth Delve has also shown he is a force to be reckoned with and, although we thought Jamie Roberts had a big, strong and impressive debut in a Wales shirt against Scotland, we have recalled Mark Jones to offer us some extra pace and experience out wide.
“There is consistency of selection elsewhere in the backs with Gavin and Tom going well and developing an interesting partnership and both Shane Williams and Lee Byrne can be proud of the contributions they have made to our campaign so far.”
Tom Shanklin will become the 20th Welsh player to win 50 caps when he takes the field in front of what is fast approaching to be a sell-out Millennium Stadium crowd a week Saturday.
Wales last won three matches on the bounce all of 32 games ago when they beat Japan, England, Italy, France, Scotland, Ireland, USA and Canada in the 2005 Grand Slam season.
“All talk of Triple Crowns or even Championships needs to be put on hold, we’ve won two games in a row and it’s our mission now to win three,” added Gatland.
“The Ireland game will be a defining moment for our season, but we need to be travelling to Dublin with a good win against Italy under our belts. If we are not then we are not giving ourselves the best chance of success. Italy are tough opposition and have been progressing well under a new coach in Nick Mallett.
“They gave England a scare last week and they always rise to the occasion and pick up a result somewhere in the Six Nations and we need to be on our guard.”
Wales: Lee Byrne; Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Deiniol Jones, Gareth Delve, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Sonny Parker
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