Wales will be captained by Alun-Wyn Jones when they kick off their Six Nations title defence against Italy on Saturday.

Regular skipper Sam Warburton is among the replacements as he returns to fitness after a shoulder injury.

Rhys Priestland gets the nod ahead of Dan Biggar at fly-half, Jamie Roberts returns in midfield after missing the autumn Tests, and Luke Charteris fills in for the suspended lock Ian Evans.

Wales XV: Leigh Halfpenny; Alex Cuthbert, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, George North; Rhys Priestland, Mike Phillips; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris, Alun-Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau.

Ireland play Wales in Week 2 on February 8th.

Image: Alun Wyn Jones ©INPHO/Billy Stickland