Saracens player Williams, who has won 93 caps, was replaced by Blair Murray, with Freddie Thomas making a first Wales start in the second-row after illness sidelined Jenkins. Gloucester wing Josh Hathaway and Cardiff lock Teddy Williams joined the replacements.

The Six Nations wooden spoon is heading Wales’ way again after it lost to Italy 22-15 and earned more unwanted records in Rome.

ROME (Reuters) -Italy dominated proceedings but almost let Wales back into the game before closing out a 22-15 victory in the Six Nations Championship on Saturday and condemning their visitors to a lowest ever place in the world rankings.

Wales continue their search for a first victory since the 2023 World Cup in a vital fixture against Italy to kick off the second weekend of the 2025 Six Nations. Warren Gatland’s side were predictably dismissed by France in Paris to extend their losing run to 13 matches,

Italy secured a 22-15 victory over Wales at the Stadio Olimpico, deepening Wales' Six Nations woes with a 14th consecutive defeat and all but confirming their second successive Wooden Spoon.

Wales were forced into making two late changes to their lineup to take on Italy in the Six Nations Championship in Rome on Saturday after veteran fullback Liam Williams and lock Dafydd Jenkins were withdrawn from the team 90 minutes before kickoff.

Wales have suffered a major blow ahead of their Six Nations clash with Italy, as duo Liam Williams and Dafydd Jenkins have pulled out at the 11th hour. Fullback Williams has suffered a knee injury, while Jenkins misses out through illness.