Wales experienced the most dramatic Six Nations off the field but if they can finish with a win France In Paris, then it will turn a horror show on the field into something more acceptable.
Amidst all the drama of players being threatened before the England match, Wales endured a nightmare start. Warren GatlandThey had three defeats in a row, but their victory over Italy in Rome for the last time revived the Welsh fans.
France, the newly destroyed England and world No. 2 side, is undoubtedly a big step forward, but Gatland’s troops will have plenty of motivation as many of their veterans play in what is supposed to be the last Six Nations game.
For their part, Les Bleus could still win the title – although they require an unexpected favor in Dublin by a stunned England after their defeat at Twickenham last weekend – but even if the trophy eludes them, Fabien Galthie‘s men will be eager to head to their home World Cup this year, with four out of five wins in the championship.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture:
When is France v Wales and what channel is it on?
The match will kick off at 14:45 on Saturday, March 18. It will be on ITV 1 and will air on ITVX.
What’s the news from the team?
France made two changes in their starting 15 with Uini Atonio following his suspension. He had to sit down in two games after a high fight in their match against Ireland early in the tournament. The other change comes when Romain Taoffenua replaces second-placed Paul Willemse.
Bastien Chalureau will try to make his first appearance in the tournament from the bench.
Meanwhile, Wales have made six changes to their starting lineup. Louis Rees-Zammit starts at full-back for the injured Liam Williams, has a new center partnership with George North and Nick Tompkins, and Dan Biggar returns the keys at number 10.
For forwards, Alun Wyn Jones and Aaron Wainwright come second and back, respectively. And Number 8 Taulupe Faletau will play his 100th game for Wales.
France – Wales squads
France: Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Ethan Dumortier; Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont; Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand, Uini Atonio, Thibaud Flament, Romain Taoffenua, Francios Cros, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt.
replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Reda Wardi, Sipili Falatea, Bastien Chalureau, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Melvyn Jaminet.
Wales: Louis Rees-Zammit; Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Alun Wyn Jones, Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Taulupe Faletau.
replacements: Bradley Roberts, Gareth Thomas, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins, Tommy Reffel, Tomos Williams, Owen Williams, Leigh Halfpenny
Odds
France – 1/25
Draw – 50/1
Wales – 14/1