In the front row, props Evan Lloyd and Henry Thomas will make their first starts for Wales in the cauldron of the Stade de France. On the wing, Tom Rogers will earn his sixth cap after last featuring for Wales in their 2023 World Cup warm-up games.

France faced setbacks with winger Damian Penaud's injury ahead of their Six Nations match against Wales. Key players like Gael Fickou and Charles Ollivon are also unavailable. Coach Fabien Galthie made five team changes,

Rugby’s greatest championship is set to get underway as Warren Gatland and Fabien Galthie prepare to name their teams for the opener in Paris

France have lost winger Damian Penaud to injury for their Six Nations clash against Wales, adding to a list of key players unavailable for the tournament opener on Friday.

Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou, who were investigated over rape claims last year before they were dismissed, will start on the bench for France's Six Nations opener against Wales, coach Fabien Galthie said on Wednesday.