Dan Lydiate named captain as Wales make four changes - Ruck

Dan Lydiate named captain as Wales make four changes

  • Dan Lydiate will captain Wales in their final Six Nations match of 2016 against Italy 
  • Wales make four changes from the 25-21 defeat by England, including Warburton who was concussed during the game.
  • Rhys Webb starts at scrum-half for the first time since last September.
Flanker Dan Lydiate will captain Wales after Warren Gatland made four changes to the side to face Italy on Saturday at the Principality Stadium.

Lydiate takes over leadership duties from Sam Warburton, who suffered concussion during last weekend’s 25-21 loss to England at Twickenham and has been given more time to recover.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland makes four changes from the England clash, with Justin Tipuric replacing Warburton, lock Luke Charteris in for Alun Wyn Jones, scrum-half Rhys Webb replacing Gareth Davies and wing Hallam Amos taking over from Alex Cuthbert.

“This weekend it is all about finishing off the tournament well and putting in a big performance,” said Gatland.

“We are disappointed with last week, especially the first half but a win on Saturday will see us finish the tournament in second and we have to aim for that now.

“There are a number of changes, a couple injury enforced. Alun Wyn Jones has a foot problem that we have been managing for a while and he has played a lot of games.

“We just felt he needs to get that right and it will probably keep him out of rugby for a few weeks.

Wales Team: Liam Williams; Hallam Amos, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin, Samson Lee, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate (capt), Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis/Aaron Jarvis, Jake Ball, Ross Moriarty, Gareth Davies, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe