Kevin Morgan is the only change to the Wales side defeated at Stade de France nine days ago – the Dragons full back replacing Lee Byrne who misses out on the trip to face the Azzurri at Stadio Flaminio.
“Kevin is delighted to be given the all clear ahead of Saturday. We had been hoping he would recover in time to make the Italy game and its a welcome boost to us all to have someone of his calibre and in his current form – available to play” said Jenkins.
Martyn Williams, Tom Shanklin and Gethin Jenkins keep their starting places with Mike Phillips and Rhys Thomas on the bench.
Gareth (Thomas) will also strengthen the squad and he takes his place on the bench more than ready to make his return after seven weeks of no rugby. continued Jenkins.
But hes been training hard and has all the experience necessary to make an impact if called upon.
The Italians probably have the strongest scrum in the Six Nations and there is a certain amount of horses for courses in selection to reflect that.
Weve gone for a five (forwards)/ two (backs) split on the bench to give us front row cover which means weve had to get the balance right.
Italy is a tough place to go and win and no side knows that better than us.
They had a great away win in Scotland and will be looking to consolidate that. They will have targeted this game as one they can win, but we have done that as well.
We turned up with a much improved performance against France and we will be concentrating on our own game against Italy. We need to continue to improve as we work towards the World Cup.
Stadio Flaminio – Saturday, 10th March – Kick-off: 4.30pm (3.30pm GMT)
Wales Team: Kevin Morgan, Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, James Hook, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel, Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Chris Horsman, Ian Gough, Alun-Wyn Jones, Alix Popham, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones
Replacements: T Rhys Thomas, Duncan Jones, Adam Jones, Brent Cockbain, Jonathan Thomas, Mike Phillips, Gareth Thomas
Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES)
DoB: 24.11.79. 62 / 1.88m. 15st 7lbs / 98kgs
International record: 38 caps (W 16, L 21, D 1; 85 pts 17T)
Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES)
DoB: 17.11.80. 62 / 1.88m. 19st 0lbs / 121kgs
International record: 43 caps (W 16, L 25, D 2; 15 pts 3T)
Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES)
DoB: 01.09.75. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 8lbs / 99kgs
International record: 68 caps (W 29, L 36, D 3; 53 pts 10T, 1DG)
T Rhys THOMAS (CARDIFF BLUES)
DoB: 23.04.82. 60 / 1.83m. 16st 6lbs / 104kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 7, L 9, D 1)
Mike PHILLIPS (CARDIFF BLUES)
DoB: 29.08.82. 63 / 1.91m. 14st 0lbs / 89kgs
International record: 19 caps (W 9, L 9, D 1; 10 pts 2T)