In Rome three years ago, Wales secured a rare victory with contributions from Liam Williams, Rio Dyer, and Taulupe Faletau. However, the squad has undergone dramatic changes since then. Captain Ken Owens, flanker Justin Tipuric, and hooker Scott Baldwin have retired, while full-back Liam Williams and fly-half Owen Williams remain key figures.

Wales legends Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny were dropped for the 2023 match, and Dan Biggar missed the game due to injury. Ken Owens, now a vocal advocate for stability, emphasized the need to end the WRU's 'merry-go-round of crisis' after financial and governance turmoil plagued the federation.