Warren Gatland holds live press conference as he explains choices for Italy

Warren Gatland will explain his selection choices for Wales' crucial Six Nations showdown with Italy when he addresses the media later today.

The coach has never lost to Italy, or any Tier 2 opposition, as Wales boss but his side are going into Saturday's clash in Cardiff bottom of the tournament table having tasted defeat in each of their four games so far. A loss to the Italians will see them pick up the dreaded wooden spoon and suffer a first Six Nations whitewash since 2003.

With so much on the line, Gatland has made five changes to his starting XV to face Italy with the midfield partnership of George North and Nick Tompkins returning in place of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin. North will win his 121st and final cap for Wales on Saturday after announcing his retirement from international rugby moments after being selected in the starting team, with the 31-year-old centre saying that it was "the right time" to walk away from the Test game.

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The other changes see Dillon Lewis start at tighthead prop alongside hooker Elliot Dee, who was brought into the starting line-up at the last moment against France after Ryan Elias withdrew with a hamstring problem. Captain Dafydd Jenkins also moves back to the second row from blindside flanker, with Alex Mann taking the number six jersey and Will Rowlands dropping to the bench.

Gatland will explain those changes and preview this weekend's game when he sits down to speak to the media this lunchtime. We'll bring you every word from the press conference below.

Wales