Valetini Set to Earn 50th Cap Against Wales in Cardiff

Italy flanker Jake Polledri will miss the Guinness Six Nations clash against Wales through injury, with No.8 Toa Halafihi recalled to the starting lineup

Valetini was a try-scorer in the 33-22 defeat against France two weeks ago, while Halafihi has missed the opening two rounds of the championship with a knee problem.

He will make his first Six Nations start against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday with head coach Andy Farrell making three changes to his starting XV.

Halafihi will be partnered in the back row by Jack Conan, who takes over the No.7 shirt from Josh van der Flier, and in-form openside Caelan Doris.

Front row

Up front, Kelleher starts at hooker in place of Dan Sheehan, with Cian Healy and Tadhg Furlong the props.

James Ryan and Tadhg Beirne continue their second-row partnership, while Peter O'Mahony is recalled to the back row.

Jamison Gibson-Park will start at scrum-half alongside fly-half Johnny Sexton, with Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey in the center.

Back three

Mack Hansen keeps his place on the left wing, with Hugo Keenan switching to the right to accommodate James Lowe at fullback.

Polledri is joined in the replacements by Sheehan, Finlay Bealham, Ryan Baird, Gavin Coombes, Ross Byrne, and Conor Murray.

Meanwhile, Kieran Treadwell, Paul Boyle, Nick Timoney, Ben Healy, Craig Casey, and Jimmy O'Brien are the traveling reserves.