Along with France, Warren Gatland’s side are the longest shots to claim the crown, currently 25 back of England on aggregate points difference.
But, with North on the right wing, they’ll have the chance to set the bar early doors when they kick off at 12:30pm in Rome, Scotland versus Ireland to follow in the afternoon (2:30pm) before England’s finale against France (5pm).
Two changes for Wales both come in the front row, Rob Evans and Aaron Jarvis coming in for the injured Gethin Jenkins and Samson Lee.
Action from Stadio Olimpico is live on the BBC.
Wales team to face Italy:
15 Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon)
14 George North (Northampton Saints)
12 Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro)
11 Liam Williams (Scarlets)
10 Dan Biggar (Ospreys)
9 Rhys Webb (Ospreys)
1 Rob Evans (Scarlets)
2 Scott Baldwin (Ospreys)
3 Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys)
4 Luke Charteris (Racing Metro)
5 Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)
6 Dan Lydiate (Ospreys)
7 Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues)(capt)
8 Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)
16 Ken Owens (Scarlets)
17 Rhys Gill (Saracens)
18 Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues)
19 Jake Ball (Scarlets)
20 Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)
21 Gareth Davies (Scarlets)
22 Rhys Priestland (Scarlets)
23 Scott Williams (Scarlets)
2015 SIX NATIONS AS IT STANDS
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST, 2015
(All live on BBC)
Italy v Wales
Stadio Olimpico, 12:30pm
Scotland v Ireland
Murrayfield, 2:30pm
England v France
Twickenham, 5pm
