Ahead of Wales’ Six Nations clash with France in Cardiff, coach Warren Gatland has implemented a series of alterations to his squad. Gatland has omitted centres George North and Nick Tompkins from his line-up, and repositioned captain Dafydd Jenkins from second-row to flanker. This overhaul comes as a response to Wales’ previous loss to Ireland.
Jenkins’s redeployment to the back-row, marking his inaugural international cap in the position, is designed to make way for lock Will Rowlands in the starting fifteen, pairing him with Adam Beard. In the front-row, hooker Ryan Elias replaces Elliot Dee, who has been benched. In succession to North, Joe Roberts will acquire his second cap at outside centre, whilst Owen Watkin takes the spot of Tompkins.
Highlighting the strategic changes, Gatland stressed that certain players merited a chance. He anticipates a robust confrontation from France, particularly in upfront gameplay. Gatland stressed the importance of maintaining discipline, good defensive line speed, and a full 80-minute performance.
Tomos Williams, the experienced scrum-half, is preferred to Gareth Davies, and Sam Costelow retains his position at outhalf. Cameron Winnett holds on to his fullback position and will comprise the back three alongside wings Josh Adams and Rio Dyer.
Boasting unchanged positions, props Gareth Thomas and Keiron Assiratti flank Elias, while the back-row is completed by Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright, and Jenkins.
In prior Six Nations matches, Wales experienced narrow defeats against Scotland (26-27) and England (14-16). Ireland then significantly outperformed them, resulting in a 31-7 loss. Wales has been unsuccessful against France in their past five encounters, although they claimed victory in eight out of the previous nine games against Les Bleus.
The Wales line up against France includes players such as Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Keiron Assiratti, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins (capt), Tommy Reffell, and Aaron Wainwright.
Substitutes: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Gareth Davies, Ioan Lloyd, and Mason Grady.