Wales, aiming to win their first Guinness Six Nations since 2023, have made four changes to their squad ahead of this Sunday’s match against France.
Leicester back-rower Ollie Cracknell will make his Six Nations debut for Wales. The 31-year-old, who became the fifth oldest player to make his debut for Wales in the autumn, won his third cap as a number eight in a reshaped back-row.
Aaron Wainwright moved from number eight to blindside flanker, Alex Mann switched to openside and Josh MacLeod dropped out as Wales switched things up after their 48-7 thrashing of England in the Championship opener.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole and Jack Wilkinson review England’s 48-7 victory over Wales in the Six Nations.
Head coach Steve Tandy said: “There are a few changes this week. A lot of it depends on who we play, but Ollie Cracknell trained in full this week and has played very well in the autumn.”
“We were extremely disappointed with last week’s performance. We have discussed this issue in our meetings.
“The players were open and honest about the fact that they missed the game.”
Other changes for Wales include the recall of props Reece Carre and Thomas Francis, with captain Dewi Lake joining the front row.
Joe Hawkins will replace Ben Thomas at inside center, linking up with Scarlets colleague Eddie James in midfield.
Bristol flyer Louis Rees-Zammit remains at full-back, with Josh Adams and Elise Mee joining him on the wings.
Louis Rees-Zammit will remain at full-back.
Wales are aiming to win their first Six Nations since 2023 and Tandy said: “We felt we were a little bit at the mercy of England and obviously the discipline was very disappointing.”
“This is a big lesson for us. We need to fix this and get on the field more on Sunday.
“We’re excited to be back at Principality Stadium. We played four games in the fall and the crowds were incredible.
“I think we’ve talked a lot about the New Zealand game, the crowd, the energy it brought and the reaction from the players.
“Our supporters mean a lot to us and they provide inspiration to our players. Our goal this weekend is to inspire our fans as well.”
Reigning champions France opened their Six Nations campaign with a convincing 36-14 victory over Ireland.
Wales national team plays against France
Starting XV: L. Rees-Zammit (Bristol), E. Mee, E. James, J. Hawkins (all Scarlets), J. Adams (Cardiff), D. Edwards (Ospreys), T. Williams (Gloucester). R. Carré (Saracens), D. Lake (Ospreys), T. Francis (Provence), D. Jenkins (Exeter), A. Beard (Montpellier), A. Wainwright (Dragons), A. Mann (Cardiff), O. Cracknell (Leicester).
Substitutes: R. Elias (Scarlets), N. Smith (Leicester), A. Griffin (Bath), B. Carter (Dragons), T. Plumtree (Scarlets), K. Hardy (Osprays), J. Evans (Harlequins), M. Grady (Cardiff).
