Tom Prydie, at 18 years and 27 days of age, will become Wales' youngest international when he features as one of five changes made to the starting line-up from the defeat to Ireland last weekend for the closing 2010 Six Nations clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Ospreys wing is joined by returning British and Irish Lions Ryan Jones, who is re-instated as captain, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips, as well as Blues back row forward Sam Warburton, who wins his sixth cap.
Prydie replaces Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, who misses out altogether, Jenkins replaces Osprey Paul James, who is on bench duty, allowing Wales to field their all-Lions front row which will be together for the first time since the 2009 Test series against South Africa.
"Tom has been with us for the duration of the campaign, he was one of two youngsters - brought in alongside Kristian Phillips - who we wanted to have a look at and we've been impressed with him," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We heard some good things about him from his region and from the coaches at under 18 level and he has lived up to that, as has Kristian as well.
"We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer (he may need an operation) and we also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup. There are one or two players out at the Regions who will also be on the radar but this is a great opportunity for Tom.
"He is the fastest player in the squad, he can play at full back as well as on the wing and he is not afraid to tackle so we'll see how he goes."
"We have an eye on the future as well with the selection of Sam Warburton in the back row, but both players come into the side alongside players who will also add experience and leadership," continued Gatland.
"Ryan returns to lead us as captain, Gethin joins the front row and re-forms the all Lions front row for the first time since that tour and Mike adds his considerable experience and talents to the backs.
"We are under no illusion that Italy will be a tough prospect on Saturday, we found it hard to break them down here two years ago and they have performed well in each game of the tournament so far and with a good win over Scotland under their belts we will be a target for them.
"We are all very disappointed and we need to demonstrate our passion and pride in the Welsh jersey on Saturday and show everyone what it means to us to play for our country."
Wales team
Lee Byrne; Tom Prydie, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones (captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Ian Gough, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
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