The announcement so early will be a massive confidence boost
for the team following the heroics in Paris, who will now be looking to kick on
and pick up a second win in Rome.
Howley said of his decision: “I have told the players the
same 15 will start in Italy. I think it is pretty important from a coach’s
perspective that we reward the players who've gone out on the field.
“I thought Ryan Jones was outstanding in terms of his
leadership and it is a just reward that he captains the side against Italy.”
The announcement means that Wales’ usual captain Sam
Warburton will start on the bench for the second time this championship.
Howley added: “Obviously I've spoken to Sam. He has taken it
very positively. Obviously he stays with us, he’s part of the squad, and he’ll
be a fantastic captain in years to come.
“But for this game, on the back of our performance in France,
I think it’s important that we said same again.”
Meanwhile, 15 players have been released back to their clubs
for this weekend’s rugby action, including eight Welsh-based players.
Josh Turnbull and Liam Williams (Scarlets), Scott Andrews,
Lou Reed, Josh Navidi and Andries Pretorius (Blues) Alun Wyn Jones and James
King (Ospreys), Paul James (Bath), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Olly Kohn
(Harlequins), Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Mike Phillips (Bayonne), Lee Byrne
(Clermont Auvergne) and James Hook (Perpignan) have all returned to their clubs,
and will return to the Wales fold on Monday.
Wales team to face
Italy:
Leigh Halfpenny,
Alex Cuthbert,
Jonathan Davies,
Jamie Roberts,
George North,
Dan Biggar,
Mike Phillips;
Gethin Jenkins,
Richard Hibbard,
Adam Jones,
Andrew Coombs,
Ian Evans,
Ryan Jones (captain),
Justin Tipuric,
Toby Faletau.
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