GATLAND SET TO MAKE 10 CHANGES TO FACE ITALY
Warren Gatland is set to make sweeping changes to the Wales team to face Italy and name James Davies, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau in a new-look back row.
The Kiwi looks set to announce 10 personnel changes to the starting XV that lost in Ireland, with Liam Williams also switching from the wing to full-back.
George North is expected to return in the back three, with Steff Evans keeping his place, while Ospreys youngster Owen Watkin comes in at 13 alongside Hadleigh Parkes.
Gareth Anscombe looks to have won the race for the number 10 jersey and is likely to partner Gareth Davies at half-back.
There are set to be seven changes in the pack in all, with captain Alun Wyn Jones rested in favour of Bradley Davies and the entire front row replaced by Nicky Smith, Elliot Dee and Tomas Francis.
Cory Hill starts once again at lock and will be among the contenders to captain the side.
It is the expected selection of Davies and Tipuric that will steal the headlines though, in what looks like a hugely bold move from the Wales selectors. Tipuric is expected to wear the unfamiliar number six jersey.
Scarlets man Davies was called up to the Six Nations squad for the first time ahead of the tournament but is yet to be given the chance to feature in a matchday squad.
That opportunity looks like it will come when Gatland announces his side at noon today. Wales take on Italy at 3pm on Sunday as they look to bounce back from consecutive Six Nations defeats against England and Ireland.
Gatland had hinted he would make changes for the date with the Italians, saying: “I think we’d already spoken about an opportunity to see some new players against Italy, so with two games left there’s chances for that.
“We’ve got to finish in the top three, that’s important for us as well.
“We’ll get some players into the squad without making too many changes, and look at building depth.”