British and Irish Lions

The Welsh will start favourites as they look to launch their challenge with an opening game victory for the first time since 1997.

But Williams and coach Steve Hansen are aware of the dangers of facing the Azzurri first at the Stadio Flaminio with Italy desperate to add to their solitary success in the tournament on their debut in 2000 against Scotland.

"Italy will be very physical," said Williams, one of six changes to the side beaten by New Zealand last November.

"They are a good side, and they will be looking for some success this season. If we are off our game, then the chances are that we will lose."

Hansen said: "The worst time to play Italy is first up because they have not been deflated by any defeats.

"We have become slow starters in the championship and one reason may be that we lose players to the clubs after the November internationals and only see them again the week before the Six Nations starts."

Wales: R Williams (Cardiff); M Jones (Llanelli), T Shanklin (Saracens), L Davies (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bridgend); I Harris (Cardiff), D Peel (Llanelli); I Thomas (Llanelli), M Davies (Pontypridd), B Evans (Swansea), R Sidoli (Pontypridd), S Williams (Northampton), M Owen (Pontypridd), M Williams (Cardiff), C Charvis (Swansea, capt).

Replacements: G Williams (Bridgend), G Jenkins (Pontypridd), D Jones (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), G Cooper (Bath), C Sweeney (Pontypridd), M Watkins (Llanelli).

The Brumbies pair of Ben Mowen and Christian Leali'ifano will get the chance to follow in the footsteps of their team mates by beating the British & Irish Lions when they make their Qantas Wallaby Test debuts against the tourists in Brisbane on Saturday.

Rob Howley says having George North available for selection is a major plus for the British & Irish Lions as they go in search of the tries he believes will be needed to beat the Qantas Wallabies this Saturday.

Less than four kilometres away from the Suncorp Stadium, venue for the opening Test between the British & Irish Lions and Qantas Wallabies on Saturday, lies the grave of the man who took the starring role in the first international between the two teams in 1899.