Wales call in Ospreys' prop for Italy clash
Jones was brought in to replace Scarlets star Wyn Jones after he was ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins backed front-row Jones, who has 15 caps, to settle straight into the task, as Wales bid to bounce back from two straight Six Nations losses.
"Well Rhodri had his first cap back in 2012, he's been in the squad for some time, so he'll fit right in," Jenkins said.
"It's obviously very sad for Wyn,"
Wales hope to recover from defeats against England and Ireland as they look to close a frustrating Six Nations tournament on a high, with home fixtures against Italy and France remaining.
Bath's British and Irish Lions back-rower Taulupe Faletau is back to full fitness after knee ligament trouble.
Jenkins admitted Warren Gatland's men will be boosted by the 27-year-old's return.
"Taulupe's an outstanding rugby player, he's world class," Jenkins said.
"To have him fit and available for selection is massive for us.
"Him playing for Bath for the last couple of weeks is big for us,"
Agence France-Presse
