Wales make five changes for France game

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made five changes to the starting line up for the fourth round of the Six Nations game against France to be played on Saturday.

North, who is the third most capped player for Wales has been dropped despite strong performances against England and Ireland along with Nick Tompkins with Owen Watkin and Joe Roberts forming the midfield partnership.

Cameron Winnett retains his place at fullback and so does Josh Adams and Rio Dyer at right and left wings respectively. Sam Costelow will continue his kicking duty with Tomos Williams at half back.

Skipper Dafydd Jenkins shifts from lock to blindside with Alex Mann dropping to the bench while Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell form the remainder of the back row.

Jenkins movement to blindside allows Will Rowlands to come back to the second row while the final change sees Ryan Elias replacing Elliot Dee in the front row.

“There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity," said Gatland.

“It’ll be a tough, physical challenge from France on Sunday particularly up front. We know they will start hard and it’s about us staying in the fight, having good line speed defensively and keeping our discipline. We’re looking for an 80 minute performance.

“We’re excited to be back at home for our last two matches and looking forward to getting out in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend.”

Wales are positioned fifth in the Six Nations table after losing all their three matches.

Wales XV: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Tommy Reffell, 6 Dafydd Jenkins (c), 5 Adam Beard, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Ryan Elias, 1 Gareth Thomas

Reserves: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Alex Mann, 20 Mackenzie Martin, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Ioan Lloyd, 23 Mason Grady