Wayne Pivac believes Gareth Davies and Ross Moriarty will bring an energy to Wales’s clash against France on Saturday after restoring both to the starting XV.
Back-rower Moriarty has come off the bench in each of the first two round of the 2020 Guinness Six Nations, while scrum-half Davies did likewise against Ireland last time out, and Pivac has opted to play them from minute one against Les Bleus.
Reigning Grand Slam champions Wales opened up their title defence with a 42-0 triumph over Italy but went down 24-14 to Ireland in Round 2 and will look to bounce back against unbeaten France at Principality Stadium this weekend.
Davies and Moriarty are the only two changes to the starting line-up from the team that visited Dublin, although uncapped lock Will Rowlands is among the replacements.
Moriarty replaces Aaron Wainwright to form a back row alongside Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau, while Davies joins Dan Biggar in the half-backs, with Tomos Williams dropping to the bench.
#WALvFRA TEAM
Two changes to Wales’ starting XV with Gareth Davies and Ross Moriarty included
Cyfle mawr i ail reng di-gap Will Rowlands o’r fainc yn erbyn Les Bleus.
– https://t.co/agBHaGAXXI #HWFN pic.twitter.com/7NhYu6P9bZ
— Welsh Rugby Union
(@WelshRugbyUnion) February 20, 2020
And Pivac is excited to see what the new faces can offer against an in-form opponent.
“Gareth was unavailable in Round 1 and came off the bench last time out so he is full of energy and we are looking forward to him bringing his game on Saturday,†he said.
“Ross has impressed off the bench so far and brought a lot of energy and communication as well so he deserves an opportunity to start.
“We have changed around the second rows on the bench, we are looking at creating competition there and Will has trained well and we are looking forward to seeing him out on that stage.
“We want to build on what we have done so far and are looking to be more accurate with what we do and improve on that aspect.
“Saturday is going to be a packed Principality Stadium, we know the atmosphere will be electric and it is set for a big day in Cardiff.â€
Wales team to play France (Saturday February 22, KO 16.45)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (87 Caps)
14. George North (93 Caps)
13. Nick Tompkins (2 Caps)
12. Hadleigh Parkes (27 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (23 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (81 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (52 Caps)
1. Wyn Jones (24 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (75 Caps)
3. Dillon Lewis (24 Caps)
4. Jake Ball (44 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (C) (136 Caps)
6. Ross Moriarty (43 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (74 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (74 Caps)
Replacements:
16. Ryan Elias (11 Caps)
17. Rob Evans (37 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (8 Caps)
19. Will Rowlands (Uncapped)
20. Aaron Wainwright (20 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (18 Caps)
22. Jarrod Evans (5 Caps)
23. Johnny McNicholl (2 Caps)
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Source: 6 Nations