Wales make two changes to their team to face France

Wales have made two changes to their starting XV to face France in Cardiff on Saturday, Gareth Davies and Ross Moriarty coming into the side.

Davies will line-up at half-back alongside Dan Biggar in the only change in the backline. Hadleigh Parkes and Nick Tompkins partner in the midfield with Josh Adams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny comprising the back three.

Biggar is included after overcoming his third concussion in six months. “Dan has been in full training since last week and has completed all protocols,” read a Welsh Rugby Union statement.

“All testing has been undertaken with the addition of a globally renowned concussion expert reviewing Dan’s return (which was proactively sought by the WRU medical team).

“All steps taken have been with Dan’s health at the forefront of decision making as player welfare is the number one priority.”

(Continue reading below…)

Jim Hamilton and Darren Cave give their predictions for Saturday’s Principality Stadium clash

Moriarty comes into the side at blindside flanker to set-up an all British and Irish Lions back row. Jake Ball and captain Alun Wyn Jones continue in the second row with Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Dillon Lewis named in the front-row.

“Gareth was unavailable round one and came off the bench last time out so he is full of energy and we are looking forward to him bringing his game on Saturday,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“Ross has impressed off the bench so far and brought a lot of energy and communication as well so he deserves an opportunity to start.

France are riding a wave of optimism after an unbeaten start to the Six Nations with Wales next to test their resolve. RugbyPass digs deep into the reasons behind the French renaissance…

Part 2 of @OwainJTJones on the French new wave ????https://t.co/Tr8zfLd0rw

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 19, 2020

“We have changed around the second-rows on the bench, we are looking at creating competition there and Will has trained well and we are looking forward to seeing him out on that stage.

“We want to build on what we have done so far and are looking to be more accurate with what we do and improve on that aspect.

“Saturday is going to be a packed Principality Stadium, we know the atmosphere will be electric and it is set for a big day in Cardiff.”

Arduous campaign planned for the Principality https://t.co/Ekfx6HDDez

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 19, 2020

On the bench Ryan Elias, Rob Evans and Leon Brown provide the front-row cover with uncapped second-row Will Rowlands and Aaron Wainwright completing the forward contingent.  Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans and Johnny McNicholl provide the backline cover.

WALES (vs France, Saturday)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (87 Caps)
14. George North (93 Caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (2 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (27 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (23 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (81 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (52 Caps)
1. Wyn Jones (24 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (75 Caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (24 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (44 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (136 Caps)
6. Ross Moriarty (43 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (74 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (74 Caps)

Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (11 Caps)
17. Rob Evans (37 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (8 Caps)
19. Will Rowlands (*Uncapped)
20. Aaron Wainwright (20 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (18 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (5 Caps)
23. Johnny McNicholl (2 Caps)

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