Rhodri Jones has joined the Wales squad ahead of Sunday’s NatWest 6 Nations clash with Italy in Cardiff.
Ospreys prop Jones has replaced Scarlets’ Wyn Jones, after he was ruled out of the rest of the tournament with hamstring trouble.
Assistant coach Neil Jenkins backed 15-cap front-rower Rhodri Jones to settle straight into the task, as Wales bid to bounce back from two straight Six Nations losses.
“It’s obviously very sad for Wyn.”
Wales are bidding to hit back from defeats to England and Scotland in order to close a frustrating Six Nations tournament on a high, with home fixtures against Italy and France remaining.
Bath’s British and Irish Lions back-rower Taulupe Faletau is back to full fitness after knee ligament trouble, and itching to face the Italians in Wales colours.
Jenkins admitted Warren Gatland’s men will be boosted by the 27-year-old’s return.
? Squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday’s fixture against @Federugby and we caught up with Neil Jenkins at lunchtime pic.twitter.com/wGLAwdk1Iz
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 6, 2018
“Taulupe’s an outstanding rugby player, he’s world class,” Jenkins told Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) TV.
“To have him fit and available for selection is massive for us.
“Him playing for Bath for the last couple of weeks is big for us.
Squad Update: Rhodri Jones has been called into the Wales squad. He linked up with this squad in camp this morning and replaces Wyn Jones who was released injured last week pic.twitter.com/PlSmNghhRr
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 6, 2018
“We have to win this game, it’s a simple fact. We’ve got a pretty proud record at home.
“No disrespect to Italy, they are trying to evolve their game but so are we.
“It’s a home game we have to win.”
