Second-row Alun Wyn Jones has made an incredible return from injury and will start in Wales’ clash against Italy in the Six Nations.

The lock will not regain the captaincy, however, with Dan Biggar, on his 100th appearance for the country, retaining the honour.

Jones returns for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury against New Zealand and will be partnered in the second-row by vice-captain Adam Beard.

Dewi Lake makes his first start for Wales at hooker. He is joined by Gareth Thomas (loosehead prop) and Dillon Lewis (tighthead prop) in the front-row.

For the second match in succession Seb Davies (blindside flanker), Josh Navidi (openside flanker) and Taulupe Faletau (number eight) make up the back-row.

First start for Gareth Davies

Gareth Davies is named at scrum-half and will make his first start in this championship after featuring as a replacement against Ireland.

Uilisi Halaholo is selected for the first time in this Six Nations and partners Owen Watkin in the centre.

Johnny McNicholl is full-back, retuning to the starting line-up after an appearance on the wing against Ireland. Louis Rees-Zammit also returns to start – he and Josh Adams are on the wings.

Among the replacements Bradley Roberts could be in line to make his first Six Nations appearance. Wyn Jones and Leon Brown provide the other front-row cover. Will Rowlands and Ross Moriarty are also named. Kieran Hardy, Callum Sheedy and Nick Tompkins provide the back line cover.

Head coach Wayne Pivac said: “We’ve made a few changes this week. With one game to go there are some players we need to see out there and put them in the match day 23.

“We’ve certainly selected a side which we think can get the job done. Clearly that’s what we’re here for. There’s an opportunity to move up that table, so we think this is an exciting team and one we’re looking forward to seeing out there.”

Speaking about the milestones Biggar and Jones will achieve this weekend, Pivac added: “Dan and Al are huge players for Wales and have been for many years now.

“We’ve said with other players reaching 100 appearances what an achievement that is and for Dan I know he’s been looking forward to this moment for a long time.

“For him to achieve it with Al, who is also getting the milestone of 150 caps – which no other player has ever done – I think it’s fitting for those two to share the day.

“They’ve played a lot of rugby together and have a healthy respect for each other. They’ve given so much for the game in Wales.”

Wales: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Owen Watkin, 12 Uilisi Halaholo, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar (c), 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Josh Navidi, 6 Seb Davies, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Adam Beard, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Dewi Lake, 1 Gareth Thomas
Replacements: 16 Bradley Roberts, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Ross Moriarty, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Nick Tompkins