7.3 C
Manchester
Thursday, April 3, 2025
ShowSix Nations 2024: Tompkins and North dropped as Wales change centre pairing...

Six Nations 2024: Tompkins and North dropped as Wales change centre pairing for France clash

Warren Gatland has made four changes to his Wales lineup for their penultimate Six Nations clash with France on Sunday, with centres Nick Tompkins and George North both dropped.

Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin will replace the experienced duo, who have a combined 155 caps, in a shock move following Wales’ comprehensive 31-7 defeat to Ireland last time out.

It is understood Tompkins and North were fit and available for selection, but both have been left out of the matchday squad completely as Gatland gives others a chance to impress.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Jude Bellingham banned for two games for expletive-laden blast at referee
Cristiano Ronaldo signing caused complications for Man Utd, admits Solskjaer
Manchester United let Haaland slip through their fingers – Solskjaer

Elsewhere, captain Dafydd Jenkins moves from the second row to start at blind-side flanker for the first time, while Will Rowlands and Ryan Elias have been promoted to start, with the former partnering Adam Beard in the second row while Elias replaces hooker Elliot Dee.

Wales are still awaiting their first win of this year’s tournament but have two home games left to get on the board, with Italy following France in visiting the Principality Stadium next week.

Explaining the alterations to his XV, Gatland said: “There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity.

“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 we’re looking forward to getting out in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend.”

Assistant coach Mike Forshaw offered further insight on the changes at centre, saying: “Nick and George have been spoken to.

“They were disappointed, which I get, but they firmly believe in what we are doing. There is always a risk in every selection but we need to look at Joe.

“He’s a really promising young 13 and was unlucky not to go to the World Cup, and Owen Watkin has a lot of experience. We just felt if we were going to have a look, this was the game to do it.”

Wales team to face France: Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Keiron Assiratti, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins (c), Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Gareth Davies, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady.

Harry Carr
Harry Carr
Harry is a freelance sports journalist with experience of working for the Racing Post, Stats Perform, Opta Analyst and more, covering major events across all sports but holding a particular love for the beautiful game.
Latest

Work starts on a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy

Work has begun on creating a permanent home for Star Radcliffe Academy. The secondary school is the first in Radcliffe for over a decade, offering...

Two men arrested in money laundering crackdown

Warrants were carried out yesterday as part of an operation cracking down on money laundering in Greater Manchester. Two men, aged 30 and 25, have...

Investigators appeal following road traffic collision in Wigan

Police are appealing for witnesses following a road collision in Leigh, Wigan. At around 3pm on Monday, officers were called to the junction of Kirkhall...

Daredevil Malcolm Guest forsakes wheelchair for charity zip wire challenge

Malcolm Guest is taking to the skies for a zip wire challenge in aid of the MS Therapy Centre. On April 15, the 64-year-old from...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Daredevil Malcolm Guest forsakes wheelchair for charity zip wire challenge

Malcolm Guest is taking to the skies for a zip wire challenge in aid of the MS Therapy Centre. On April 15, the 64-year-old from...

Woman discovered in River Mersey last year is identified

A woman who was discovered in the River Mersey last year has been identified following an extensive police investigation. She can now be named as...

Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raises £40,000 at 2025 Gala Dinner

A night of dinner, dancing and a surprise DJ set from Andy Burnham has raised £40,000 for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – more than...

Interactive roadshows set to help people identify bowel cancer symptoms

Two interactive roadshows are taking place in Manchester to help people identify the symptoms of bowel cancer. New research reveals that 35% of adults in...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...