That would leave Kevin Morgan on the bench, while Hook may also have to bide his time if head coach Gareth Jenkins opts to go with Jones at fly-half and stick with Sonny Parker - a try scorer against Canada - at inside centre.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | Welsh | Wales backing Hook to bounce back

Experienced fly-half Stephen Jones has been dropped to the Wales bench and replaced by James Hook.

BBC: Six Nations: Wales wing Stoddart passes fitness test

Jones and half-back partner Dwayne Peel start against the Azzurri after impressing off the bench in the 30-15 win over Scotland, with Hook and Mike Phillips taking their places among the replacements.

BBC: Jones praise for Wales rival Hook