Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright is expected to start despite being 'banged up' for Saturday's Six Nations finale against Italy in Cardiff. The 28-year-old has started all four championship games this season, playing three times at his preferred number eight position and once at blind-side flanker against France.

Assistant coach Dan Lydiate confirmed Wainwright's availability despite the forward being replaced early in the second half against Ireland after sustaining a hip injury. 'Aaron is a warrior, so he keeps going for us,' Lydiate said. Wales are desperate to end their 15-game losing streak in the championship, having suffered heavy defeats to England and France before narrow losses to Scotland and Ireland.

Wainwright's presence would bolster Wales' physical approach against an Italy side hunting three wins in a single championship for the first time. The Leicester-bound forward is Wales' joint leading carrier with 54 runs and ranks fourth in the tournament for dominant contacts (11) and post-contact metres (72). Fly-half Sam Costelow remains sidelined with an ankle injury, while Dan Edwards and Jarrod Evans continue to compete for the number ten jersey as Wales prepare for a crucial encounter.