Wales bring in reinforcements
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: Wales have made two changes to their starting XV to face France in Cardiff on Saturday
Gareth Davies and Ross Moriarty are coming into the side for this Round Three Six Nations clash.
Davies will line-up at scrumhalf, alongside flyhalf Dan Biggar in the only change in the backline.
Hadleigh Parkes and Nick Tompkins are partnered in the midfield – with Josh Adams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny comprising the back three.
Moriarty comes into the side at blindside flank to set-up an all British & 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.
* Continue reading below
“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,” Wales coach Wayne Pivac said.
“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.
“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.”
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.
Meanwhile, Biggar has been cleared, despite concerns over his concussion issues.
He has been in full training since last week and has completed all protocols.
According to the team medical staff, the tests have been undertaken with the addition of a globally renowned concussion expert reviewing his return.
“All steps taken have been with Dan’s health at the forefront of decision making as player welfare is the number one priority,”a Welsh Rugby Union statement said.
Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ross Moriarty, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (captain), 4 Jake Ball, 3 Dillon Lewis, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Wyn Jones.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Rob Evans, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Aaron Wainwright, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Johnny McNicholl.
Date: Saturday, February 22
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Kick-off: 16.45 (17.45 France; 16.45 GMT)
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Karl Dickson (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
