Warren Gatland has turned to experience in a bid to put an end to their record losing streak, with Josh Adams and Liam Williams returning to his starting line-up for Friday’s Six Nations opener against France.
Adams has been out of the side for almost a year, having last represented Wales during last year’s competition, while Williams was missing from their Autumn internationals.
Williams will earn his 93rd Wales cap in Paris and returns to the Six Nations after missing out last year due to his stint in Japanese rugby with Kubota Spears. The full-back is now back playing in the Premiership with Saracens.
Dafydd Jenkins – who captained the country in the 2024 Six Nations – also returns to Gatland’s side at lock.
Captain Jac Morgan starts at flanker, while Ben Thomas has been chosen ahead of Dan Edwards at fly-half.
Taulupe Faletau misses out despite Gatland saying the experienced back-row would be fit to play if required.
Liam Williams returns for Wales
Image credit: Getty Images
Although the Wales coach has opted for some experience, there will also be fresh blood with Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas given their first Wales starts in the front row.
Among the Wales replacements, Nicky Smith will hope to win his 50th cap, while Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray – who won their first senior caps in the Autumn Nations Series – could make their first Six Nations appearances.
Wales are experiencing the worst run in the 143-year history of the country playing international rugby – having lost 12 successive Test matches since October 2023.
That record put Gatland’s position in serious doubt but, following an independent review, the Welsh Rugby Union decided he would be in charge for the Six Nations.
Giving his thoughts ahead of this year’s competition, Gatland said: “We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations in 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.”
Ntamack returns for France
Fly-half Romain Ntamack looks set to represent France for the first time in 17 months on Friday night.
Ntamack ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a 30-27 win over Scotland in August 2023 before missing France’s Autumn internationals with a calf injury.
The 25-year-old will partner Olympic gold medallist Antoine Dupont in the half-backs at the Stade de France.
France are without several key players through injury, including Charles Ollivon, Damien Penaud, Thibaud Flament and Gael Fickou.
As a result, the back three is comprised of full-back Thomas Ramos as well as wingers Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Pierre-Louis Barassi and Yoram Moefana complete the back line at 13 and 12 respectively.
Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka and Uini Atonio make up the front row, while Alexandre Roumat and Emmanuel Meafou start in the engine room.
Gregory Alldritt is selected at No. 8, alongside flankers Francois Cros and Paul Boudehent.
Wales team to play France
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)
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)
France team to play Wales
13. Pierre-Louis Barrassi
18. Georges-Henri Colombe
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