Francis to win first Welsh cap

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis will make his international debut for Wales this weekend after he was named in their side to face Ireland in Dublin.

Just a season after joining the Aviva Premiership club from London Scottish, the 23-year-old tight-head finds himself on the cusp of making his way into Warren Gatland's 31-man squad for this autumn's Rugby World Cup.

Although part of the Welsh training camp for last season's Six Nations competition, Francis did not feature during the tournament.

However, his form in English rugby's top flight for the Chiefs was impressive and it was little surprise when Gatland called for the York-born forward when he announced his initial Welsh World Cup training squad.

World Cup training camps in Switzerland and Doha have followed for Francis, who this weekend will line-up in a star-studded Welsh line-up for the game.

Alun Wyn Jones will lead Wales in a side that that will also see Northampton Saints winger George North reach the milestone of his 50th international cap.

Francis, meanwhile, will pack down in an experienced front-row alongside Gethin Jenkins and Ken Owens, whilst Bradley Davies will pack down alongside captain Jones in the second-row.

British and Irish Lions trio Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau make up the back-row, while Ospreys half-backs Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar continue their partnership with Jamie Roberts and Scott Willams named in the midfield.

George North, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny complete the back line.

“The squad are looking forward to travelling over to Ireland for what is a big warm-up fixture,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland. “We have trained well over the past few weeks and Saturday is a chance for a lot of players to get their first taste of rugby this campaign.

“We trimmed the squad down in the middle of August and the remaining 38 have worked extremely hard.

“It’s always a great game in Dublin and there is an important factor to this match, with the Rugby World Cup squad announced just a few days later.”

Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, CAPT), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Paul James (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons).