Six Nations Week 5 team news: North, Tompkins start for Wales

Six Nations Week 5 team news: North, Tompkins start for Wales،

The Six Nations was filled with drama last weekend as Italy beat Scotland 31-29 in Rome and England stunned Ireland, whose hopes of winning back-to-back Grand Slams ended with a 23-22 defeat at Twickenham.

There was even more pain for Wales who remain winless and bottom of the table after a 45-23 defeat to France.

The results mean it's all decided in the final round, as the Wales team face a battle of wooden spoons against Italy, who will be full of confidence after two promising performances, having also earned a draw against France during the third week.

England technically have a chance – albeit an incredibly slim one – of winning the title, but manager Steve Borthwick will focus on his side's excellent performance at Twickenham last week.

Ireland only need a bonus point loss against Scotland in Dublin to retain their crown.

Here's all the team news and everything you need to know ahead of the final weekend.

Wales v Italy, Saturday, 2.15pm, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Wales manager Warren Gatland has opted to reintroduce George North and Nick Tompkins into midfield after they were dropped for the France match.

The match will be North's last for Wales after the 31-year-old announced his retirement from international rugby on Wednesday.

Captain Dafydd Jenkins will return to the second row after starting at flanker last week, while Alex Mann comes into the starting XV. Prop Dillon Lewis will make his first start in this year's championship.

With one game remaining, Gatland highlighted how much was at stake on Saturday as both teams looked to avoid the wooden spoon.

“It's an important game for us. We definitely don't want to finish last and the team is hungry to win,” Gatland said.

“Italy have quality players throughout their squad and have been able to seize opportunities when given them to move the scoreboard forward.

“We understand that external pressure and expectations come with international rugby. It's about accepting that, continuing the hard work and being present in training to go out on the field and be sharp and disciplined on Saturday .”

Wales: Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Gareth Thomas, Elliot Dee, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright

Substitutes: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Mathias, Harri O'Connor, Will Rowlands, Mackenzie Martin, Kieran Hardy, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady,

Italy:

Substitutes: