Wales name unchanged XV for Italy clash

Wales have named an unchanged starting XV for their final-round Six Nations meeting with Italy in Cardiff, with head coach Steve Tandy keeping faith with the side that produced an improved display against Ireland in Dublin.

The only change to the 23-man matchday squad comes on the bench, where Blair Murray replaces Louie Hennessey.

Wales Unchanged Starting Side For Italy

Tandy has retained Dan Edwards at fly-half with Sam Costelow still unavailable, while Louis Rees-Zammit continues at full-back. The forward pack also remains unchanged after Wales pushed Ireland hard before losing in Dublin. That performance followed another more competitive showing against Scotland and has given Wales hope of finishing the campaign on a stronger note.

Wales Chase First Six Nations Win

Wales are still looking for their first win of the 2026 Championship and are trying to avoid another winless campaign.

Italy arrive with their own ambitions, but Wales will take encouragement from the way they competed in recent rounds, especially in Dublin.

“For the team and myself, going back to Principality Stadium is amazing,” said Tandy.

“The boys did really well creating their own energy against Ireland, but there's nothing better [than being at home].

“The boys reference in meetings what the Scotland game meant to them and the French game, the New Zealand game - the fans have been incredible and I think they're really behind the team and the team are really putting in performances to represent our nation."

Wales XV: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 James Botham, 6 Alex Mann, 5 Ben Carter, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Dewi Lake (captain), 1 Rhys Carre.

Reserves: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Olly Cracknell, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Blair Murray.