LONDON - Wales have made seven changes to the starting line-up for this weekend's Six Nations rugby match against France in Paris.
Coach Gareth Jenkins brought in the new faces today after his side lost 21-9 to Scotland on Feb 10.
Lee Byrne returns from a knee injury
to replace the injured Kevin Morgan at fullback and Shane Williams comes in for Chris Czekaj on the wing.
Centre Tom Shanklin makes his first start in this year's tournament, replacing Jamie Robinson who moves to the bench. Mark Jones moves from right to left wing.
In the front row, Gethin Jenkins and Chris Horsman are recalled at prop in place of Duncan Jones and Adam Jones. Matthew Rees starts as hooker instead of Rhys Thomas.
At second row, Ian Gough comes in for Robert Sidoli, who does not even make the bench. Lock Brent Cockbain, who has not played international rugby for more than a year, is named as a replacement.
"Up front we have looked at the physicality of our front row and have presented a different dynamic for the French match than that against Scotland," Jenkins said in a statement.
"We were not at our best in that area at Murrayfield and we have looked for extra power in the scrum this time out."
He said he believed Wales had the right balance in the back row to compete on level terms with France, although admitted it would not be easy.
"France is always a tough place to go and they have proved they are the best team in this championship in the first two rounds, but we are at a stage where we need to get back out there on the pitch and show what we have to offer as well," he said.
Team: 15-Lee Byrne; 14-Shane Williams, 13-Tom Shanklin, 12-James Hook, 11-Mark Jones; 10-Stephen Jones (captain), 9-Dwayne Peel; 8-Ryan Jones, 7-Martyn Williams, 6-Alix Popham, 5-Alun-Wyn Jones, 4-Ian Gough, 3-Chris Horsman, 2-Matthew Rees, 1-Gethin Jenkins
Replacements: Rhys Thomas, Duncan Jones, Brent Cockbain, Jonathan Thomas, Mike Phillips, Ceri Sweeney, Jamie Robinson
- REUTERS
