Wales change three to take on France

The Rugby Paper Team

9 years ago

Tags: Bath, Cardiff Blues, Championship, Dan Biggar, Exeter Chiefs, France, Harlequins, Ireland, Ospreys, Scarlets, Scotland, Six Nations, Wales

Alex Cuthbert, Bradley Davies and Dan Lydiate are all named in the starting XV as Wales make three changes for the Six Nations clash against France at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night.
Cuthbert, who has scored 15 tries in his 40 outings for Wales, comes back into the starting line-up for Tom James and is the only change in the backline.
Davies, who won his 50th test cap against Ireland in the opening match of the championship, comes into the second row in the place of the injured Luke Charteris to start alongside Alun Wyn Jones.
Lydiate returns at blindside with Justin Tipuric moving to the bench and captain Sam Warburton moving back to openside.
There are two personnel changes amongst the replacements with Jake Ball coming into the match day 23 alongside Tipuric.
France come to Cardiff unbeaten after wins over Italy and Ireland in Paris while Wales drew against Ireland in their opening fixture before beating Scotland two weeks ago.
“We have made a couple of changes, one injury enforced with Luke (Charteris) missing out with a knee injury, but Bradley (Davies) deserves a starting spot as well so it’s a good opportunity for him,” said Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland.
“We have made two other personnel changes with Alex (Cuthbert) and Dan (Lydiate) coming into the starting team. They have trained well and will suit the game France will potentially bring as well.
“We initially thought we would have to wait until later in the week to have a final update on injuries, but we know where we are earlier than expected and have told the squad today, hence announcing today as well.
“It’s set to be another huge Six Nations weekend, France come to Cardiff unbeaten in the campaign so far and impressing under Guy (Noves). We are looking to continue our unbeaten run and will be looking for another step up after the victory over Scotland.”
Wales: Liam Williams (Scarlets), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton Saints), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).
Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Gareth Anscombe (Cardiff Blues).