Leicester No 8 Olly Cracknell will make his Six Nations debut for Wales against France in Cardiff on Sunday.
The 31-year-old, who won his first Test 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.
Coach Steve 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 World Cup – replacing Nicky Smith and Archie Griffin in the front row.
AFRICA PICKS: Wooden spoon Wales, French favourites and Six Nations market moves
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 match 23 altogether.
The only change in the backline sees Joe Hawkins come in for Ben Thomas at inside centre.
SUPERBRU: Poms outplay Scots, Les Bleus batter Wales
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.”
TEAM: Galthie hands debut to green midfielder
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.”
KEO: Fearless France surge forward
Reports earlier this week claimed more than 18,000 tickets are still unsold for the fixture at the 74,000-capacity Millennium Stadium.
WALES – 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Ellis Mee, 13 Eddie James, 12 Joe Hawkins, 11 Josh Adams, 10 Dan Edwards, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Olly Cracknell, 7 Alex Mann, 6 Aaron Wainwright, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 3 Tomas Francis, 2 Dewi Lake (c), 1 Rhys Carre.
Bench: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Archie Griffin, 19 Ben Carter, 20 Taine Plumtree, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Mason Grady.
Wales’ woe will continue when France visit Cardiff on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/5kvPONi7vy
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) February 12, 2026
The post Wales rejig pack for France clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
