Wales make six changes for Italy game

CARDIFF, Wales -- Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel will be the Welsh half-back pairing for Saturday's Six Nations Championship match against Italy in Cardiff.

James Hook and Mike Phillips, who started in Saturday's defeat of Scotland, will be on the bench as coach Warren Gatland makes six changes.

Gatland's shake-up includes a completely new front row, with Gethin Jenkins, Rhys Thomas and Matthew Rees making their first starts in the Six Nations this season.

On the wing Mark Jones returns in place of Jamie Roberts, who made his Test debut against Scotland but is not even on the bench this week. Sonny Parker will be replacement threequarter.

Tom Shanklin, who continues his midfield partnership with Gavin Henson, will become the 20th Welshman to win 50 caps.

Wales:

Lee Byrne; Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel

Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rhys, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (capt).

Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Deiniol Jones, Gareth Delve, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Sonny Parker. E-mail to a friend