Wales to unleash giant centre Eddie James in must-win Six Nations clash with Italy - and hope Taulupe Faletau can return to action

Wales are set to unleash giant centre Eddie James for a first Test start and hope to bring back No 8 Taulupe Faletau for their must-win Six Nations clash with Italy. Warren Gatland's side are on a record run of 13 straight international losses and another defeat in Rome on Saturday would almost certainly mean their head coach would move on at the end of the Championship. Wales were hammered 43-0 by France in their first game of 2025.

In a bid to bring some more punch to his attack, Gatland looks poised to bring in Scarlets midfielder James into midfield at the expense of Owen Watkin who suffered a knee injury in Paris. James, 22, has just three Test caps to date, all of which have come from the bench. Barring a late fitness setback, Faletau has been pencilled in to start at the Stadio Olimpico and add much-needed international class and experience to the Welsh side.

The 34-year-old, who has 104 caps for his country, hasn't played for Wales since the 2023 World Cup after suffering a string of fitness issues. He missed the France game with a knee problem, but has been in training with Gatland's side at their pre-Italy training camp on the Cote d'Azur this week. Wales are set to give giant Eddie James a first Test start in their Six Nations clash with Italy. Warren Gatland's side are on a record run of 13 straight international losses in internationals.

James has three Test appearances but is yet to start a game - he will likely play at the Stadio Olimpico this weekend. Faletau's fellow back-row forward Aaron Wainwright is also set to be fit for Italy after suffering a nasty facial cut against France which forced him from the field early on. But Wainwright's inclusion is likely to see him start as a replacement. 'It's easy to talk about it being a must-win. The pressure is massive. We know that and it is about us trying to get the players to focus on what we can control,' said Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys. 'Italian rugby has grown a lot over the last two years, especially defensively and how they go after the ball in the contact area.

'They are a very difficult team to beat, especially in the Six Nations.'. Gatland will confirm his team for Italy this morning (THURS) in Nice, where Wales have been training between following their French defeat. They will then fly to Rome later this afternoon (THURS) ahead of what many believe is the country's biggest game in 15 years. If Wales are beaten, then a second consecutive winless Six Nations looks on the cards. Such a situation is likely to make Gatland's position untenable.

'It is tough, losing,' Humphreys said. 'The thing with us is we don't lack fight. The players fight and work hard.'. Taulupe Faletau has been pencilled in to start at the Stadio Olimpico bar a late setback. Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys has admitted that the 'pressure is massive'. Against France, Wales had 50 per cent of the possession but simply couldn't cut through as they failed to score a point in an international for the first time since 2007.

In order to beat Italy, Gatland will hope for more carrying ability and metres made from the likes of James and Faletau. In such an important match, picking James for his first start may seem something of a gamble. But his attributes are reminiscent of the likes of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies – two former midfield greats whose physical dominance brought huge success to past Wales teams. There is no doubt James is still inexperienced. But at six foot four and 17-and-a-half stone, he is an imposing opponent.