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Wales overhaul side for World Cup quarter-final clash with France
Wales have named the same starting XV that beat Australia in their Pool D clash for Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against France in Oita.
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Warren Gatland’s side finished top of Pool D with four wins from four and have returned to Oita for this weekend’s encounter.
Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Tomas Francis once again comprise the front row.
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Captain Alun Wyn Jones, who packs down alongside Jake Ball in the second-row, will move third on the all-time international appearance list on Sunday, level with Brian O’Driscoll on 141 tests (132 for Wales plus nine British & Irish Lions appearances).
Aaron Wainwright, who has featured in every game for Wales at Japan 2019 lines up at six alongside Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi.
Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar are named at halfback with Hadleigh Parkes and Jonathan Davies partnering in midfield.
The tournament’s joint top try scorer Josh Adams lines up in the back-three alongside George North and Liam Williams.
On the bench Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre and Dillon Lewis provide the front-row cover with Adam Beard and Ross Moriarty completing the forward contingent. Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell and Owen Watkin provide the backline cover.
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WALES TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE ON SUNDAY:
1. Wyn Jones (19 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (70 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (46 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (39 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (131 Caps) (c)
6. Aaron Wainwright (16 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (69 Caps)
8. Josh Navidi (22 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (48 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (76 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (18 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (22 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (79 Caps)
14. George North (89 Caps)
15. Liam Williams (61 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Elliot Dee (26 Caps)
17. Rhys Carre (3 Caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (19 Caps)
19. Adam Beard (17 Caps)
20. Ross Moriarty (38 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (13 Caps)
22. Rhys Patchell (17 Caps)
23. Owen Watkin (19 Caps)
– Welsh Rugby Union
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