Cracknell given Six Nations debut as Wales make changes for France / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP
Cracknell given Six Nations debut as Wales make changes for France
Leicester loose forward Olly Cracknell will make his Six Nations debut for Wales against France in Cardiff on Sunday after being named in coach Steve Tandy's starting side.
The 31-year-old No.8, who won his first cap in November, features in a revamped back row following last week's 48-7 thrashing by England -- Wales's 12th successive Six Nations defeat and their 22nd loss in 24 Tests.
Tandy has made four personnel changes and two positional switches following the Twickenham trouncing, with props Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis -- the latter making his first Test start since the 2023 Rugby World Cup -- replacing Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin in the front row.
The only change behind the scrum sees Joe Hawkins come in for Ben Thomas at inside centre.
In the back row, Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann -- who started against England -- have been moved to accommodate the incoming Cracknell, with Josh Macleod dropping out of the matchday 23 altogether.
Reigning champions France began their title defence with a commanding 36-14 win at home to Ireland and will be firm favourites to defeat Wales.
"There are a few changes for this week," said Tandy after announcing his team on Friday.
"A lot of it is based on who we are playing and then Olly Cracknell has done a full training week this week and also played really well in the autumn."
Discipline was an issue against England, with Wales receiving four yellow cards at Twickenham.
"We were bitterly disappointed with the performance last week," said Tandy. "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."
Reports earlier this week claimed more than 18,000 tickets are still unsold for the fixture at the 74,000-capacity Principality Stadium but Tandy urged Wales fans to continue to back the side.
"We're excited to get back to Principality Stadium," he said, adding: "The supporters mean a huge amount to us and they do inspire the players. Our aim on the weekend is to inspire the fans too."
Wales (15-1)
Louis Rees-Zammit, Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Joe Hawkins, Josh Adams, Dan Edwards, Tomos Williams; Olly Cracknell, Alex Mann, Aaron Wainwright; Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins; Tomas Francis, Dewi Lake (capt), Rhys Carre
Replacements: Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Ben Carter, Taine Plumtree, Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady
Coach: Steve Tandy (WAL)
L.Gschwend--MP
