Wales will field a new center pairing of Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin in Sunday’s Six Nations clash with France. They replace the established midfield pairing of George North and Nick Tompkins at the Principality Stadium, who have made a combined 155 appearances for the Principality.
It will be Llanelli center Roberts’ first start for the Six Nations since making his Test match debut against England in last summer’s World Cup warm-up. Elsewhere, Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins has been moved from lock-back to wing-back, with Will Rowlands named as Adam Beard’s second platoon partner, while hooker Ryan Elias replaces Elliot Dee. It is understood that both North and Tompkins are suitable for selection.
Meanwhile, Jenkins made his first appearance in the number six jersey for club or country, taking over from Alex Mann. Rowlands missed Wales’ first Six Nations meeting with Scotland after his partner gave birth to their baby, and then came on as a substitute in defeats to England and Ireland.
Mann is one of the replacements, along with Cardiff forward Mackenzie Martin, Dee, who has made 49 appearances for the club, and Scarletts half-back Gareth Davies.
Gatland said: “There have been some changes in the team this week because there are some players who deserve a chance. On Sunday, France will face a difficult physical challenge, especially in the frontcourt.
“We know they’re going to have a tough start and we’re going to keep fighting, have good line speed on defense and stay disciplined. We’re looking for an 80-minute performance.
“We are delighted to be back at home for our final two games and look forward to appearing in front of our passionate Welsh fans.”
Newsletter Promotion Post
quick guide
Wales
exhibit
C Wynnett (Cardiff); J Adams (Cardiff), J Roberts (Scarlets), O Watkin (Ospreys), R Dyer (Dragon); S Costello (Scarlets), T William S (Cardiff); G Thomas (Ospreys), R Elias (Scarlets), K Assiratti (Cardiff City), W Rowlands (Racing 92), A Beard (Ospreys), D Jenkins (Exeter) , captain), T Reffell (Leicester City), A Wainwright (Dragon)
replacement: E. Dee (Dragons), C. Domachowski (Cardiff), D. Lewis (Harlequins), A. Mann (Cardiff), M. Martin (Cardiff), G. Davies (Scully), I. Lloyd (Scully), M. Grady (Cardiff)
Wales have lost each of their past four Six Nations games against France, but they face a struggling France side who lost to Ireland and drew at home to Italy, both teams narrowly beaten. of Scotland.
However, Wales is yet to win in this season’s Championship before the final two games against France and Italy.
