Webb gets Wales call

Scrum-half Rhys Webb comes into starting XV for Friday’s game v France and is one of six Ospreys named in the match day squad.

 

Wales have made three changes, with Luke Charteris (Perpignan) and Liam Williams (Scarlets) also named in the starting XV.

 

Charteris has recovered from the hamstring injury which ruled him out of the clash against Ireland and is the only change to the pack.

 

He will partner Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys) in the second-row behind the experienced front-row of Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) and Ospreys duo Richard Hibbard and Adam Jones.

 

The back-row remains unchanged with captain Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues) featuring alongside Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro) and Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

 

Webb will make his first start for Wales and will line-up at half-back alongside Rhys Priestland (Scarlets).

 

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) and George North (Northampton Saints) make up the midfield, with North coming in off the wing to fill the centre berth vacated by the injured Scott Williams, and Liam Williams (Scarlets), joins Cardiff Blues pair Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny in the back-three.

 

The last two RBS 6 Nations outings against France has resulted in victory for Warren Gatland's men and the head coach is looking for a response from his side after the defeat to Ireland.

 

"Friday is a massive game for us” he said.

 

"As a squad we have a huge amount of experience in this tournament and we will be calling on that this weekend.

 

''We see the game as a huge opportunity for us to put things right.

 

"Luke (Charteris) has been working really hard over the past couple of weeks and it's a big boost for us that he is back. 

 

"I thought Rhys (Webb) played excellently for the Ospreys at the weekend and he comes in and gives us a different dimension and it's a great opportunity for him.

 

"George (North) moves into the midfield and he brings great footwork to the role and we were impressed when he went there against Australia in the autumn.  His partnership with Jamie will be important as we look to stop the directness of France and Mathieu Bastareaud.”

 

Scarlets forwards Ken Owens, Rhodri Jones and Jake Ball are named on the bench along with Paul James (Bath Rugby) and Justin Tipuric (Ospreys).  Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys) and James Hook (Perpignan) provide cover for the backs.

 

WALES SQUAD TO PLAY FRANCE:

Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), George North (Northampton Saints), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro), Sam Warburton (CAPT – Cardiff Blues), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

 

Replacements: Ken Owens (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath Rugby), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), James Hook (Perpignan).