Wales team to play Italy: Steve Tandy’s BOLD selection

Thursday, 12 March 2026 at 09:04

byHarry Tovey

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has named his final Wales team of the 2026 Six Nations, as his side prepare to face Italy at Principality Stadium on Saturday (KO: 16:40).

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Tandy’s side will be aiming for a first Six Nations win since putting aside Italy, 29-17 in Rome back in 2023. Since that day, Wales have been on a run of 15 consecutive losses in the championship.

They enter the contest, after spirited showings against both Scotland and Ireland, despite extending their losing streak in the championship. However, due to points difference Wales are very much likely to claim a third consecutive wooden spoon.

With that said, there are no changes to the starting XV for Wales' final home match at Principality Stadium. Blair Murray is named among the replacements for the second time this Championship.

Following selecting his side to face Italy, Tandy added: “Having an unchanged team, I think it reflects the cohesion and the consistency in the group and the consistency of performance out in Ireland.

"This week we need to go up another level. We've had some really good performances. I think 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."

On being back at home for our final match of the Championship Tandy added: "For the team and myself, going back to Principality Stadium is amazing. The boys did really 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 and the French game, the New Zealand game.

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

Wales team to play Italy:

15. Louis Rees-Zammit (Bristol Bears – 39 caps)
14. Ellis Mee (Scarlets – 7 caps)
13. Eddie James (Scarlets – 8 caps)
12. Joe Hawkins (Scarlets – 10 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 69 caps)
10. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – 10 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 71 caps)
1. Rhys Carre (Saracens – 27 caps)
2. Dewi Lake (Ospreys – 30 caps) Captain
3. Tomas Francis (Provence Rugby – 81 caps)
4. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 30 caps)
5. Ben Carter (Dragons – 18 caps)
6. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 15 caps)
7. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 20 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons– 66 caps)

Replacements:

16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 47 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 62 caps)
18. Archie Griffin (Bath Rugby – 15 caps)
19. Adam Beard (Montpellier – 64 caps)
20. Olly Cracknell (Leicester Tigers – 4 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Ospreys – 30 caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (Harlequins – 16 caps)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 15 caps)