The Scarlets lock will pack-down alongside Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones as they aim to kick off their campaign with victory over Italy, tomorrow afternoon. Ball made only one appearance – off the replacements bench – during the 2016 Under Armour Series last autumn after suffering from a rib injury.
But he is out to make up for lost time as Wales chase an 11th straight victory over the Azzurri.
“I’m really excited, there’s been a lot of hard work gone in and some disappointments along the way,” said Ball.
“In the Six Nations last year, I came in with an MCL (knee ligament injury), then in the autumn with my ribs as well, it’s been a bit of a frustrating time for me and I hadn’t hit the form I wanted to over the last year and a half.
“I’m back playing a lot of rugby and I’m very excited to be playing in Rome, there’s always been a good log of second rows in the Wales set-up and it’s up to me to put my stamp on the shirt.”
Wales have scored 17 tries in the last two meetings with Italy, and will be hoping to claim the maximum five points as bonus-points are introduced to the RBS 6 Nations for the first time.
Former Wasps outside-half Alex King has been brought in as backs coach for the tournament. And centre Jonathan Davies believes the back-line are ready to fire on all cylinders.
He said: “Alex has come in, he’s refreshed it and he’s just given us a license to play what’s in front of us and back ourselves. He’s put faith in us as a backline and it’s down to us to make good decisions on the field.
“He’s given us a lot of confidence to go out and play. He’s been very enjoyable to work with and he’s a fresh face, he has a new look on things and hopefully that will help us build and keep moving forward.”
