Wales name unchanged starting side for Italy test

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named an unchanged starting side for the Six Nations finale against Italy at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright has been passed fit after struggling with a leg injury, while there is no return for Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow, who missed the Ireland loss because of an ankle problem.

In the only alteration to the match-day 23, Scarlets back Blair Murray comes in as a replacement for Bath's Louie Hennessey, who won his first cap in the 27-17 defeat by Ireland.

It is the first time in his ninth game in charge that Tandy has named an unchanged starting side and the fewest amount of alterations in a Wales match-day squad for six years.

"Having an unchanged team reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland," said Tandy.

Wales have lost all four games so far in the tournament and are looking for a first home victory against Italy since 2020.

Wales are also hoping to halt a 15-game losing streak in the tournament as they bid to avoid a third successive Six Nations clean sweep of defeats.

Tandy's side can only not finish bottom of the table again if they secure a 50-point margin of victory against Italy and hope France achieve the same result against England.

"This week we need to go up another level," said Tandy.

"We've had some good performances. There were parts against France, then we built up into the Scotland game where I thought we were very good.

"Against Ireland we stepped up to the plate physically. Now it's putting it all together and creating our best performance this weekend."

Wales are also searching for a first home Six Nations victory for four years since they beat Scotland in February 2022.

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

"The boys did 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, as well as the matches against France and New Zealand.

"The fans have been incredible and I think they're behind the team and the team are putting in performances to represent our nation."

Tandy was directly asked whether the result or performance this weekend was more important.

"I think performance," said Tandy.

"If we get the performance, the result will follow. I want both, if I'm honest.

"I genuinely believe in this group and can see where we want to go in the distance, but also understand the here and now.

"The performance will get us closer. We can't control the outcome. You see in games, the bounce of the ball might not always go your way, but what we have to be is consistent.

"The closer you get, like we did in the Scotland and Ireland games, and if you're in more games, results will follow.

"As a nation, we want both. You can get a win, but actually are you still growing?

"They should go hand in hand. We want to produce a performance that replicates what we did over the last few weeks, but also makes it better.

"We've got to keep chasing that win, but what gets us the win is that performance."

Italy make three changes to the XV that stunned England 23-18 in Rome.

Scrum-half Alessandro Fusco, tight-head prop Muhamed Hasa and lock Federico Ruzza start.

Welsh-speaking Exeter scrum-half Stephen Varney, who grew up in Pembrokeshire, comes onto the bench.

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Hawkins, Adams; Edwards, T Williams; Carre, Lake (capt), Francis, D Jenkins, Carter, Mann, Botham, Wainwright.

Replacements: Elias, Smith, Griffin, Beard, Cracknell, Hardy, J Evans, Murray.

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Hasa, N Cannone, Ruzza, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.

Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Zilocchi, Favretto, Odiase, Varney, Marin, Allan.