Webb back for Wales

Scrumhalf Rhys Webb has been included in Wales' starting lineup for their Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday.

His return from injury is one of five changes to the side that defeated the Springboks in Cardiff last November.

In the pack, flank Sam Warburton starts ahead of Dan Lydiate, Jake Ball is preferred at No 4 lock, tighthead prop Samson Lee takes over from Tomas Francis and loosehead Nicky Smith replaces Gethin Jenkins.

Flank Taulupe Faletau has been left out of the match 23 as a precaution and his spot on the bench is filled by James King. 

Wales – 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Scott Williams, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Ross Moriarty, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Sam Warburton, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Jake Ball, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Nicky Smith.
Subs: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Tomas Francis, 19 Cory Hill, 20 James King, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Jamie Roberts.

Six Nations teams (Round 1)

Photo: Getty Images

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