Six Nations: Wales without veteran Taulupe Faletau for France clash
Wales have been boosted by the return of wing Josh Adams, fullback Liam Williams and lock Dafydd Jenkins for their Six Nations opener against France in Paris on Friday, while No. 8 Taulupe Faletau will miss the clash.
The experienced Adams and Williams missed much of last season with injury as Wales seek to end a dismal team record run of 12 defeats in a row dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup that has put coach Warren Gatland‘s position under the spotlight.
Wing Tom Rogers makes up the remainder of the back three, with Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins the centre-pairing.
Ben Thomas will lead the backline from the fly-half position with Tomos Williams at scrum-half.
Thomas comes due to an injury to Sam Costelow and the desire to look at other options beyond Gareth Anscombe.
The side will be captained by Jac Morgan, who has James Botham and No. 8 Aaron Wainwright with him at the back of the scrum.
Will Rowlands and Jenkins are the lock pairing and hooker Evan Lloyd is joined by props Gareth Thomas and Henry Thomas in the front row.
“We’re excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world,” Gatland said. “Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that and start our championship well.”
Further reading:
– Six Nations: Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong to miss England game
– Six Nations: Alexander Masibaka added to injury-depleted Scotland squad
– Six Nations: Curry twins to start for England in Ireland opener
Source: espn.com