After last weekend’s disappointing record defeat to Ireland, Edwards has taken the opportunity to freshen up his backline for penultimate round of fixtures.
Elen Evans will make her first start of the tournament at centre after recovering from a dislocated elbow. She comes in for teenager Rebecca de Filippo who drops down to the bench.
Caryl James comes in for Charlie Murray on the wing with Mared Evans getting a first start of the campaign at fly half. Her inclusion sees Naomi Thomas switched to inside centre with Adi Taviner dropping out of the match day 22.
“With Elen’s return along with that of full back Aimee Young who starts the game on the bench, competition for places in the backline is now extremely competitive,” explained Edwards.
The only change in the forwards sees vastly experienced Clare Flowers get the nod ahead of Vicky Owens in the second row.
Wales will be searching for their first victory over the Italians for the first time in three years. Wales lost 12-8 in La Spezia last year and in 2010 went down 15-19 at Bridgend.
Wales Women’s vs Italy Womens, Millennium Stadium, Sat 10 March KO 5pm
15 Rosie Fletcher
14 Caryl James
13 Elen Evans
12 Naomi Thomas
11 Philippa Tuttiett
10 Mared Evans
9 Laura Prosser
1 Caryl Thomas
2 Rhian Bowden (Capt)
3 Jenny Davies
4 Clare Flowers
5 Shona Powell Hughes
6 Lisa Newton
7 Sioned Harries
8 Jamie Kift
Replacements
16 Lowri Harries
17 Megan York
18 Vicky Owens
19 Sian Williams
20 Amy Day
21 Rebecca de Filippo
22 Aimee Young
