Ken Owens has praised the impact of Wales’ uncapped squad members on preparations for the side’s upcoming Six Nations campaign.
Interim head coach Rob Howley named seven Test match rookies in his squad, with Wasps flanker Thomas Young and Ospreys back-row forward Olly Cracknell possibly in contention for a bench place against opening opponents Italy on Sunday.
Wales hooker Owens thinks the new players are already contributing to the team, leaving the side in good shape ahead of the clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
“The new players have added something to the squad,” he said.
“A lot of them were playing well in the run-up to the autumn series this season and were unlucky to miss out.
“They have continued their form up to the Six Nations, and that is why they have been included. New voices and fresh faces around the squad add to the environment.”
Howley is due to name his starting line-up on Thursday, with lock Alun Wyn Jones set to lead Wales after taking over as captain from Sam Warburton.
There could be starts for centre Scott Williams, scrum-half Rhys Webb, lock Jake Ball and back-row forward Ross Moriarty, who looks likely to feature in the number eight shirt.
Wales have not been beaten by Italy since 2007, while they topped 60 points in each of the last two Six Nations meetings but Owens is wary of an Azzurri outfit under a new coaching team of Conor O’Shea, Mike Catt and Brendan Venter.
“It’s a tough game,” he added. “They will be looking to build on a good autumn when they beat South Africa.
“They will be disappointed with losing against Tonga, but they’ve had time with Conor O’Shea, Mike Catt and Brendan Venter in camp, and I am sure they will hit the ground running.
“We know just how hard it’s going to be out there, and it is all about getting a good performance and a victory first-up.
“I am looking forward to it. It [Six Nations] is the best international rugby tournament in the world outside the Rugby World Cup. We are excited, we’ve had a really good training week with the new guys coming into the squad, and we can’t wait for our first hit-out against Italy on Sunday.”
