Francis starts against France

By Mark Stevens
15/3/18

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis will win his 31st cap for Wales after being named in their starting line-up for Saturday's NatWest 6 Nations Championship clash with France (5pm).

Francis retains his place in the front-row and will pack down alongside the recalled Scarlets pairing of Rob Evans and Ken Owens.

Skipper Alun Wyn Jones also returns to the side in place of Bradley Davies, while Josh Navidi gets the nod in the back-row.

Changes in the back divsion to that which saw off Italy a week ago saww Dan Biggar start at fly-half, Scott Williams returns in the centre, while the inclusion of Leigh Halfpenny at full-back means Liam Williams is shunted to the left wing with Steff Evans dropping to the bench.

Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: "Saturday is a huge opportunity for us to finish the campaign well, at home in front of our fans. France will be coming to Cardiff in good spirits after their victory over England last weekend so it is set to be a huge encounter.

"There have been some tough selection calls, but that is exactly what we want, we want to be in a position where there are selections and decisions to be made and we have had to make some tough ones this weekend.

"We have picked a team and a squad we believe can deliver this weekend against France."

Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith and Samson Lee are named as the front-row replacements with Bradley Davies and Aaron Shingler completing the forward contingent. Aled Davies, Gareth Anscombe and Steff Evans provide the backline cover.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE

Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets) (77 Caps)
George North (Northampton Saints) (72 Caps)
Scott Williams (Scarlets) (54 Caps)
Hadleigh Parkes (Scarlets) (5 Caps)
Liam Williams (Saracens) (47 Caps)
Dan Biggar (Ospreys) (61 Caps)
Gareth Davies (Scarlets) (31 Caps)
Rob Evans (Scarlets) (24 Caps
Ken Owens (Scarlets) (56 Caps)
Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs) (30 Caps)
Cory Hill (Dragons) (14 Caps)
Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) (116 Caps) CAPT
Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) (56 Caps)
Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues) (10 Caps)
Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby) (71 Caps)

Replacements:

Elliot Dee (Dragons) (4 Caps)
Nicky Smith (Ospreys) (17 Caps)
Samson Lee (Scarlets) (37 Caps)
Bradley Davies (Ospreys) (59 Caps)
Aaron Shingler (Scarlets) (16 Caps)
Aled Davies (Scarlets) (7 Caps)
Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues) (13 Caps)?
Steff Evans (Scarlets) (9 Caps)