Wales v France preview: Can Wales end French Grand Slam dreams?

Friday night rugby returns to the Principality Stadium as make four changes, looking to produce the upset of the tournament against .

Pre-tournament favourites France have continued to keep their team much the same throughout as they look for a fourth win in a row, making just one enforced change while captain Antoine Dupont is confirmed as fit to play.

The only change for the unbeaten table leaders sees Gabin Villiere replacing Damien Penaud, forced out of the team after testing positive for Covid-19.

France are aiming for a first win in since 2010, which was the last year they managed to win a Grand Slam or even a title.

Meanwhile for Wales this will be a ninth Friday night game in the tournament since they began in 2009.

No team has played, or hosted, more games on Friday then Wales, and there are fears that there will not be a capacity crowd tomorrow night in Cardiff, with predictions that as many as 10,000 tickets will go unsold.

Wales coach was hopeful the seats would be filled up, and said the fans would not be disappointed if they did choose to go.

He said: “There are a few seats left. It would be great to see those seats filled up.

“Both sides want to play an entertaining brand of rugby and I think you have got the side at the moment who are probably the in-form team in the world in France.

“We certainly have had a couple of great games against them in recent times, so I think it will be a cracker.”

, WALES – DECEMBER 05: Wayne Pivac, Wales Head coach during the pre match warm up for the Autumn Nations Cup 2020 match between Wales and at the Parc y on December 05, 2020 in Llanelli, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)

Wales' four changes have seen Cardiff pair Josh Navidi and Seb Davies brought into the back row, whilst Jonathan Davies comes in for Nick Tompkins, ruled out with concussion.

They have picked Tomas Francis despite receiving what appeared to be a bad head knock sustained against , with centres Owen Watkin and Josh Adams also being seen to have recovered from the same problem.

On the other side of the front row to Francis, Gareth Thomas comes in at loosehead prop.
Taine Basham drops out the squad altogether despite a good tournament so far, with Taulupe Faletau the only surviving back row from the England win as Ross Moriarty drops to the bench.

Written by NICK POWELL

Leave a Comment