Francis starts against Italians

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis will get another chance to shine on the international stage this weekend after he was again named in the Welsh starting line-up for their warm-up clash with Italy tomorrow (5pm).

Having made international debut in last weekend's win over Ireland in Dublin, the talented tight-head keeps his spot at the Millennium Stadium in a powerful home line-up that includes the return of skipper Sam Warburton.

Warburton is part of a new look back-row alongside James King at flanker and Taulupe Faletau at No.8.

Half-backs Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership whilst there is a new look mid-field with Scott Williams lining up alongside Cory Allen.

The back-three from Dublin also remains unchanged with George North and Alex Cuthbert on the wings and Leigh Halfpenny at full-back.

"With our opening Rugby World Cup fixture just two weeks away, this weekend is important run-out and opportunity for fine tuning," said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.

"We were happy with the performance away from home in Ireland last weekend, but there are plenty of things we need to work on from that victory so we will be looking to put those in place on Saturday.

"We've made a couple of changes to try a few new combinations and ensure players get some more game time under their belts."

Sadly, Francis' new Exeter team-mate Michele Campagnaro - who scored for ther Azzurri against Scotland last weekend - does not keep his place in the visiting squad.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY ITALY:

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Cory Allen (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), George North (Northampton), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Dominic Day (Bath), James King (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) (Capt), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Matthew Morgan (Bristol).