RBS SIX NATIONS: Wales v Italy
Venue: Millennium Stadium Date: Saturday, 20 March Kick-off: 1430 GMT
Coverage: Watch on BBC One, BBC HD channel, Red Button and BBC Sport website; full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru; live text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles

Mike Phillips is set to win his 39th Wales cap against Italy

Returning scrum-half Mike Phillips believes Wales owe the fans a victory over Italy in the final Six Nations clash on Saturday.

The Lion comes back into a side which has won just one game in the opening four rounds of the Championship.

Phillips, who makes his first Wales start for 12 months, is looking for the side to bounce back from the 27-12 defeat in Ireland last weekend.

"We owe a big win to all the fans and the coaches as well," said Phillips.

The 27-year-old is back in the number nine jersey after recovering from an ankle ligament operation.

He was selected on the replacements bench against France but did not go on and then missed the trip to Ireland after picking up a dead leg playing for the Ospreys.

But despite a lack of rugby, Phillips is confident he is ready to start an international for Wales after replacing Blues scrum-half Richie Rees.

"I've trained hard over the last couple of weeks and I've played a bit of rugby as well, so I'm really looking forward to this opportunity," insisted Phillips.

"It's great to have a start and it's obviously a dream come true and one I wish to grab with both hands.

"I'm just going to throw everything into it - 110% right through the game.

"Hopefully I'll have a big impact on the game. It's great to be back in the starting line-up with all the boys with a red jersey on in front of the home crowd. Hopefully we can get a big win.

"[I'm hoping] I can bring some energy and bring some spirit into the side.

"I'm just looking forward to the occasion more than anything. Being back in the Welsh side means everything to me like it does to all the players."

606: DEBATE How much have Wales missed Mike Phillips?

Although Wales have dropped flanker Martyn Williams in favour of Sam Warburton, coach Warren Gatland has brought some experience back into the side in the form of Phillips, skipper Ryan Jones and prop Gethin Jenkins.

And Phillips is hoping that some old heads can repair some of the damage Wales suffered in the three tries to nil defeat at Croke Park.

"The boys [who are] coming back, we have got a lot of experience behind us and we need to bring that 'oomph' and hwyl into the team," added Phillips.

"We are playing home and we have got to start big against a very good Italian side and take the game to them early on."

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