Prydie to make history

Phillips, Jenkins and Jones all return for the clash in Cardiff

Last updated: 16th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Prydie to make history

Gatland: Rung the changes

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

Warren Gatland
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Tom Prydie will become the youngest player to represent Wales after being named in a much-changed side for the RBS Six Nations clash with Italy.

The Ospreys winger will be just 18 years and 27 days old when he steps out to make his international debut at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday - breaking break Norman Biggs' 112-year record by 24 days.

And coach Warren Gatland is expecting big things from the teenage sensation.

He said: "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.

"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.

"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 is one of five alterations made by Gatland, who had promised to shake things up after the 27-12 loss to Ireland.

Leigh Halfpenny makes way on the wing for the teenager, while three British and Irish Lions return to the starting XV.

Trio return

Mike Phillips takes over from Richie Rees scrum-half, prop Gethin Jenkins is in to bolster the front row and Ryan Jones is fit to play at number eight.

Skipper Jones, who comes in at the expense of Gloucester's Gareth Delve, is joined in the back row by Cardiff flanker Sam Warburton.

The 21-year-old has been preferred to veteran Martyn Williams, who is not even included amongst the replacements. Halfpenny and Rees are also dropped from the 22-man squad.

Gatland said: "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.

"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 could finish with the wooden spoon in this year's Six Nations if they lose to the Azzurri and Scotland cause an upset away in Ireland.

Wales: 15 L Byrne (Ospreys), 14 T Prydie (Ospreys), 13 J Hook (Ospreys), 12 J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), 11 S Williams (Ospreys), 10 S Jones (Scarlets), 9 M Phillips (Ospreys), 1 G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), 2 M Rees (Scarlets), 3 A Jones (Ospreys), 4 B Davies (Cardiff Blues), 5 L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), 6 J Thomas (Ospreys), 7 S Warburton (Cardiff Blues), 8 R Jones (Ospreys, capt).
Replacements: 16 H Bennett (Ospreys), 17 P James (Ospreys), 18 I Gough (Ospreys), 19 G Delve (Gloucester), 20 D Peel (Sale Sharks), 21 A Bishop (Ospreys), 22 T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues).