PRYDIE THE YOUNGEST
Tom Prydie, at 18 years and 27 days of age, will become Wales' youngest international when he features as one of five changes made to the starting line-up from the defeat to Ireland last weekend for the closing 2010 RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Ospreys wing is joined by returning British & Irish Lions Ryan Jones, who is re-instated as captain, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips, as well as Blues back row forward Sam Warburton, who wins his sixth cap.
Prydie replaces Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, who misses out altogether, Jenkins replaces Osprey Paul James, who is on bench duty, allowing Wales to field their all-Lions front row which will be together for the first time since the 2009 Test series against South Africa.
Ospreys No 9 Phillips also makes his first Wales start since featuring for the Lions against the Springboks, taking over from Richie Rees, with Dwayne Peel keeping his place on the bench to provide the scrum half cover. Warburton is selected in place of his regional colleague Martyn Williams in the back row which also sees Jones replace Gloucester's Gareth Delve, who moves to the bench.
"Tom has been with us for the duration of the campaign, he was one of two youngsters - brought in alongside Kristian Phillips - who we wanted to have a look at and we've been impressed with him," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We heard some good things about him from his region and from the coaches at under 18 level and he has lived up to that, as has Kristian as well.
"We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer (he may need an operation) and we also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup. There are one or two players out at the Regions who will also be on the radar but this is a great opportunity for Tom.
"He is the fastest player in the squad, he can play at full back as well as on the wing and he is not afraid to tackle so we'll see how he goes."
Prydie will be Wales' 1,074th cap, and takes over the 'youngest Welsh international' mantle from fellow wing Norman Biggs who was capped as a Cardiff player in 1888 at 18 years and 50 days. The previous youngest player in the 6 Nations before this was Matthew Tait (England) two days before his 19th birthday.
"We have an eye on the future as well with the selection of Sam Warburton in the back row, but both players come into the side alongside players who will also add experience and leadership," continued Gatland.
"Ryan returns to lead us as captain, Gethin joins the front row and re-forms the all Lions front row for the first time since that tour and Mike adds his considerable experience and talents to the backs.
"At scrum half we are conscious that we need three players to all be pushing each other for a starting place and we have been happy with what we have seen from Richie Rees this tournament. Dwayne is being given another chance, we want him to make an impact from the bench and improve on his showing last time out.
"We are under no illusion that Italy will be a tough prospect on Saturday, we found it hard to break them down here two years ago and they have performed well in each game of the tournament so far and with a good win over Scotland under their belts we will be a target for them.
"We are all very disappointed and we need to demonstrate our passion and pride in the Welsh jersey on Saturday and show everyone what it means to us to play for our country."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Tom Prydie, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones (captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Ian Gough, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
