Wales vs France Six Nations Clash: TV Channel, Kick-off Time and Team News
Wales are set to face a formidable challenge as they host France in Cardiff for the second round of the Six Nations championship. Following a heavy defeat to England in their opening match, Steve Tandy's Welsh side are under pressure to bounce back, especially after recent losses to New Zealand and South Africa at the Principality Stadium.
The task does not get any easier, with France arriving as the championship favourites after an impressive victory over Ireland. Having enjoyed ample rest since their win last Thursday, France may be aiming for a statement performance to solidify their title credentials.
When is Wales vs France?
The Six Nations clash is scheduled to kick off at 3.10pm GMT on Sunday 15 February at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. This highly anticipated fixture promises to be a pivotal moment in the tournament, with both teams eager to secure crucial points.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage starting from 2.30pm GMT. For those preferring online streaming, a live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the action.
Team News
Steve Tandy has made several changes to the Welsh side that was thrashed by England in round one. Notable inclusions see Olly Cracknell set for his Six Nations debut at No 8, joining Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann in a reshuffled back row. In the front row, Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis have been promoted from the bench to start as props.
In the centres, Joe Hawkins is preferred over Ben Thomas at inside centre, partnering with clubmate Eddie James. Tandy has opted for a bench split of five forwards to three backs, aiming to bolster the pack in the latter stages of the game.
France are forced into midfield adjustments due to injuries ruling out Yoram Moefana, Nicolas Depoortere, and Kalvin Gourgues. This sees a Pau partnership in the centres, with debutant Fabien Brau-Boirie, considered a top talent, lining up alongside Emilien Gailleton.
The rest of the French starting side remains unchanged, with Charles Ollivon and Mickael Guillard continuing in the second row despite the return of Thibaud Flament. Flament will start on the bench, where he and Emmanuel Meafou could make a significant impact. Noah Nene is another potential debutant, named as jersey No 23.
Line-ups
Wales XV: 1 Rhys Carre, 2 Dewi Lake (capt.), 3 Tomas Francis; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Adam Beard; 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Alex Mann, 8 Olly Cracknell; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Dan Edwards; 11 Josh Adams, 12 Joe Hawkins, 13 Eddie James, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Louis Rees-Zammit.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree; 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Mason Grady.
France XV: 1 Jean Baptiste-Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Charles Ollivon, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Oscar Jegou, 8 Anthony Jelonch; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Fabien Brau-Boirie, 13 Emilien Gailleton, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16 Maxime Lamothe, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Thibaud Flament, 20 Emmanuel Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi; 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Noah Nene.
