Wales recall No.9 Davies for France test

Scrum-half Gareth Davies has been recalled to the Wales starting line-up for their Six Nations clash with France on Saturday while winger Josh Adams has been declared fit to play.

Davies comes in for Tomos Williams and there is also a switch at flanker as Ross Moriarty replaces Aaron Wainwright, the only two changes to the starting side from the 24-14 defeat by Ireland in Dublin a fortnight ago.

It is a first start for Davies since the World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa in October.

“Gareth was unavailable round one and came off the bench last time out so he is full of energy and we are looking forward to him bringing his game on Saturday,” Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said.

“Ross has impressed off the bench so far and brought a lot of energy and communication as well, so he deserves an opportunity to start.”

Adams, who was top-scorer at the World Cup in Japan and bagged a hat-trick in the Six Nations opener against Italy, was forced off against Ireland with a hip problem.

He forms a back three with fullback Leigh Halfpenny and wing George North, while Nick Tompkins keeps his place at centre alongside Hadleigh Parkes.

The forward pack remains unchanged, though uncapped lock Will Rowlands, born in England, replaces Adam Beard on the bench.

“We have changed around the second-rows on the bench, we are looking at creating competition there. Will has trained well and we are looking forward to seeing him out on that stage,” New Zealander Pivac said.

“We want to build on what we have done so far and are looking to be more accurate with what we do and improve on that aspect.”

Wales team: Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Nick Tompkins, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams, -Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric, Ross Moriarty, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Jake Ball, Dillon Lewis, Ken Owens, Wyn Jones. Reps: Ryan Elias, Rob Evans, Leon Brown, Will Rowlands, Aaron Wainwright, Tomos Williams, Jarrod Evans, Johnny McNicholl.

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