DRAGONS forwards Elliot Dee and Aaron Wainwright have been called into the Wales XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy in Rome.

The duo came off the bench in the second half of the comeback win against France in Paris on opening weekend and slot into the starting line-up as Warren Gatland makes 10 changes.

Dee replaces Ken Owens, with the Lions hooker rested completely, while blindside Wainwright slots into the back row alongside Josh Navidi and Thomas Young.

Dragons number eight Ross Moriarty drops down to the bench after making his return after seven weeks out with concussion with a fine display against Les Bleus.

Full-back/wing Hallam Amos joins him among the replacements to make his first Six Nations appearance since facing the Italians in 2017 but there is no place in the 23 for Cory Hill.

The lock misses a first Test since Samoa in the summer of 2017 when he was with the Lions as injury cover.

Gatland has tinkered with his team ahead of the round three clash against England in Cardiff with Wales expected to avoid a banana skin against the Azzurri, who lost heavily in Scotland last Saturday.

Western Telegraph: CAPTAIN: Jonathan Davies will lead WalesCAPTAIN: Jonathan Davies will lead Wales

Centre Jonathan Davies will captain his country for the first time – becoming the 137th man to have the honour – with lock Alun Wyn Jones dropping down to the bench.

Davies is retained in the XV along with full-back Liam Williams, wing Josh Adams, number eight Navidi and lock Adam Beard.

"We have made a number of changes this weekend but have picked what we think is a very exciting team that still has huge experience throughout it," said Gatland.

"We have made a similar number of changes to what we did last year, but it is all about opportunity for these players.

"We have had a squad of 31 training together, replicating the Rugby World Cup and it is important they get game-time.

"It is a great opportunity for Jon (Davies) as captain. He has a huge amount of experience, is a great leader and it is a great honour for him to lead his country.

"Italy will be hurting after last weekend but they are a different proposition in Rome. They are an experienced team themselves and they will be looking to put things right on the pitch after their opening defeat."