Wales Overhaul Pack for Crucial Six Nations Clash with France
Wales coach Steve Tandy has announced four significant changes to his starting XV ahead of Sunday's Six Nations encounter against France at the Principality Stadium. This strategic reshuffle comes in the wake of a disheartening 48-7 defeat to England last weekend, as Wales desperately seek to snap a 12-game losing streak in the championship.
Key Changes in the Forward Pack
In a bid to bolster their physical presence, Tandy has introduced Ollie Cracknell at No 8 for his first Six Nations start. This move sees Aaron Wainwright shift to the flank, while Alex Mann retains his position among the loose-forwards. The front row also sees adjustments, with props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis stepping in to replace Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin.
Captain Dewi Lake continues to anchor the hooker role, supported by the lock pairing of Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins. These changes reflect a concerted effort to address the pack's performance after last week's shortcomings.
Backline Adjustments and Coach's Reflections
The backline features one alteration, with Joe Hawkins taking over from Ben Thomas at inside centre, partnering Eddie James in the midfield. Dan Edwards remains at fly-half, and Tomos Williams keeps his scrum-half spot. The back three comprises wings Josh Adams and Ellis Mee, with Louis Rees-Zammit at full-back.
Steve Tandy expressed his disappointment with the previous performance, stating, "We were bitterly disappointed with the performance last week. We've addressed it in meetings. The boys were open and honest around the fact that we didn't put ourselves on the game. We felt we played into England's hands a little bit and obviously the discipline was hugely disappointing. It's a massive lesson for us. It's something we need to correct and put more of our game out on the field on Sunday."
Wales' Form and French Caution
Wales' recent form has been dismal, with only two victories in their last 24 Tests, both against Japan. Despite this, France coach Fabien Galthié has warned his team not to underestimate the hosts in Cardiff. He remarked, "For me [it is] the most beautiful stadium in the world, with those Welsh chants that never stop. It's special and, in my opinion, it levels the playing field. It gives the Welsh an extra spark."
Ireland's Response Ahead of Italy Clash
In related Six Nations news, Ireland captain Caelan Doris has emphasised the need for greater individual responsibility as his team prepares to host Italy on Saturday. Following a round-one defeat to France, Ireland are under pressure to deliver a strong performance in Dublin.
Head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes to the starting XV, including championship debuts for flanker Cormac Izuchukwu and wing Robert Baloucoune, with uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo named on the bench. Doris, who moves from No 8 to openside flanker, urged his teammates to step up, saying, "It's an exciting team we've got. There's obviously a few changes, so getting cohesion through the week has been important. The message to those guys [coming into the team] is to trust themselves. Same with all of us really off the back of a defeat like that; doubling down on what we're good at, doing things properly with intent, enjoying it and enjoying it from doing things properly with intent as well. Creating a feeling through how we show up with actions, and it can be infectious that. But also to the new guys it's making sure they own it and make it feel like it's properly theirs. You can't have any passengers tomorrow, so, yeah, full ownership from everyone."
This weekend's matches promise high stakes as teams across the Six Nations look to rebound from early setbacks and assert their dominance in the championship.
