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Men’s Rugby Union Gatland rings the changes for France clash

WALES boss Warren Gatland is confident his tough selection decisions will be justified in Saturday’s Six Nations finale against France in Cardiff.

Gatland has made seven switches to the Wales starting line-up in addition to moving Saracens’ Liam Williams from full-back to wing.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones returns to lead the side after being rested for last weekend’s victory over Italy, while full-back Leigh Halfpenny, centre Scott Williams, fly-half Dan Biggar and flanker Josh Navidi also feature.

Biggar returns in the No 10 shirt, taking over from Gareth Anscombe after the 38-14 win against Italy.

Williams is in for Owen Watkin, with prop Rob Evans and hooker Ken Owens also returning to action.

“Saturday is a huge opportunity for us to finish the campaign well at home in front of our fans,” head coach Gatland said.

“France will be coming to Cardiff in good spirits after their victory over England last weekend, so it is set to be a huge encounter.

“There have been some tough selection calls, but that is exactly what we want.

“We want to be in a position where there are selections and decisions to be made and we have had to make some tough ones this weekend.

“We have picked a team and a squad we believe can deliver this weekend against France.”

There is no place in the starting XV for blindside flanker Aaron Shingler, with Justin Tipuric continuing at No six, starting alongside back-row colleagues Navidi and Taulupe Faletau.

Exeter prop Tomas Francis is retained with Samson Lee, who missed the Italy game due to illness, named among the replacements on a bench that also includes Anscombe, Shingler and Scarlets wing Steff Evans.

Victory for Wales — they are unbeaten at home against France since 2010 — is likely to secure the Six Nations runners-up spot behind champions Ireland.

And it would also complete a clean sweep of Six Nations home wins this term following bonus-point successes against Scotland and Italy.

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