Jones to lead Wales in Rome

Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones will captain Wales for the first time in next week's RBS 6 Nations clash against Italy.

Jones leads a team showing 10 changes and one positional switch from the side beaten 21-16 by France in Paris last Friday night.

Coach Warren Gatland said: "We have made a series of changes. With no disrespect to Italy, if we are to consistently be one of the top four or five teams in the world we need to back the depth in our squad."

The only players retained are Jones, full-back Lee Byrne, wing Shane Williams and number eight Andy Powell, while Jamie Roberts moves from inside to outside centre.

Regular skipper Ryan Jones is on the bench, along with fellow Grand Slam stars from last season in Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips and Gethin Jenkins.

And players rested completely from the Rome-bound matchday 22 on Saturday week include prop Adam Jones, lock Ian Gough and flanker Martyn Williams.

Gatland added: "We have made changes, but there are arguments to say we are stronger in certain positions.

"If I was playing against Italy I would be excited about both the opportunity which presents itself and, looking around me, about the team which has been selected.

"We have come a long way in the last 12 months and achieved a fantastic amount, but the best teams in the world develop depth of experience in their squad and back themselves.

"The choice of Alun-Wyn as captain next week is an example of us doing exactly that and also looking to the future."