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Wales make 11 changes from autumn loss to Springboks for France trip
By Josh Raisey
Warren Gatland has made 11 changes to the Wales starting XV that lost 12-45 to South Africa in November for their opening match of the Guinness Six Nations against France on Friday in Paris.
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The four players that have remained in the XV are captain Jac Morgan, lock Will Rowlands, flanker James Botham, and fly-half Ben Thomas, who started at inside centre against the world champions.
Wales will welcome back a handful of favourites for the clash at the Stade de France as they look to arrest a 12-Test losing streak, including the previously injured trio of Josh Adams, Tomos Williams and Dafydd Jenkins. Liam Williams also finds himself back in a Welsh matchday squad after returning from his stint in Japan at the end of last year.
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Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards is the only uncapped player in the squad, with Gatland opting for an inexperienced set of backs on the bench with the five-cap Rhodri Williams and the three-cap Blair Murray.
“We’re excited for the challenge on Friday,” Gatland said. “The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that and start our championship well.”
Wales XV
15. Liam Williams (Saracens – 92 caps)
14. Tom Rogers (Scarlets – 5 caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (Saracens – 38 caps)
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 42 caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 59 caps)
10. Ben Thomas (Cardiff Rugby – 7 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby – 59 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 35 caps)
2. Evan Lloyd (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
3. Henry Thomas (Scarlets – 4 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 36 caps)
5. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 19 caps)
6. James Botham (Cardiff Rugby – 16 caps)
7. Jac Morgan (Ospreys – 18 caps) – captain
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 52 caps)
Replacements
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 51 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Leicester Tigers – 49 caps)
18. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 10 caps)
19. Freddie Thomas (Gloucester Rugby – 1 cap)
20. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 23 caps)
21. Rhodri Williams (Dragons – 5 caps)
22. Dan Edwards (Ospreys – uncapped)
23. Blair Murray (Scarlets – 3 caps)
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The one thing this Welsh team does not lack is guts. They fought until the very last minute against the Boks even though they were outgunned throughout. Tough assignment in Paris but they won't give up. Good luck from a Bok supporter.