The Albany Gazette - Wales unchanged for Italy Six Nations finale

The Welsh go into Saturday's last round of the Championship bottom of the table and on a run of 15 successive Six Nations defeats since beating Italy in March 2023.

But they pushed Ireland hard in Dublin last week and were within one score of their hosts until four minutes from time before losing 27-17.

In the only change to the Wales 23 that featured at Lansdowne Road, Scarlets full-back Blair Murray comes onto the bench in place of Bath winger Louie Hennessey.

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

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

Wales face an Italy side seeking to win three matches in a single Six Nations for the first time following their victory over England in Rome last weekend.

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

"The boys did really well creating their own energy against Ireland, but there's nothing better (than being at home)."

Wales (15-1)

Louis Rees-Zammit; Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams; Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Aaron Wainwright, James Botham, Alex Mann; Ben Carter, Dafydd Jenkins; Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (capt), Rhys Carre

Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Adam Beard, Olly Cracknell, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Blair Murray

Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)

(N.Miller--TAG)