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Wales Online
Wales Online
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Mark Orders

Wales poised to rip up team, start Rhys Webb and drop Louis Rees-Zammit for Italy clash

Wales are poised to hand Rhys Webb his first Test start since 2020 when they take on Italy in the potential Six Nations wooden spoon encounter at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

Once again, Warren Gatland is set to tear up his starting lineup.

Potentially, there could be six alterations to the side that took the field against England, with Gatland still searching for the right blend and Louis Rees-Zammit among those who could be downgraded to the bench.

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Alun Wyn Jones could also be left out, along with Christ Tshiunza. But Webb appears likely to be in favour.

The Ospreys scrum-half, who spent much of the Wayne Pivac era out in the cold, is set to replace Tomos Williams for the round four date in Rome.

It will be his first time in a Wales XV since the match with France in October 2020.

He will see it as a chance to put down a marker for the World Cup in France this autumn. He has yet to play at a global tournament and this year’s event is likely to be his final chance to achieve that goal.

Subject to any 11th-hour changes in thinking or fitness issues, Gatland is expected to give him an opportunity in the run-on side in Italy and show he can still inspire Wales.

Liam Williams is expected to return at full-back, with Rio Dyer taking over from Rees-Zammit out wide.

Rees-Zammit scored Wales' try against England and despite limited opportunities he looked dangerous when he had the ball, but he also experienced the odd wobble in defence and appears to have paid the price, with the Gloucester player expected to be demoted to the bench as Dragons flyer Dyer, himself lively in attack during the autumn and against Ireland, is primed for another chance.

Up front, Wyn Jones, Dafydd Jenkins and Jac Morgan are ready to come in, with Gareth Thomas, ex-skipper Jones and Tshiunza making way.

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