Tomos Williams will make his Six Nations debut at scrum-half for Wales when they face off against France in Paris on Friday night.
Head coach Warren Gatland has chosen Cardiff Blues’ Williams in his XV, with Scarlets’ Gareth Davies, who was an injury doubt for the game, having to settle for a place on the bench.
Wales, who won all four of their autumn internationals to boost confidence ahead of the Six Nations, have made three changes from the win over South Africa at the end of November with injured duo Nicky Smith and Ellis Jenkins being replaced by Scarlets prop Rob Evans and Cardiff Blues flanker Josh Navidi.
Ross Moriarty has been included in the starting line-up at number eight despite a recent concussion, while full-back Liam Williams, wing Josh Adams and lock Adam Beard have all been declared fit enough to start following injury doubts.
Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, fly-half Rhys Patchell and centre Scott Williams are all unavailable due to injury. Wales have not won the Six Nations since 2013 and last tasted Grand Slam glory in 2012 but will be hopeful of doing well this year in Gatland’s last campaign in charge.
Wales face Italy in Rome on Saturday, February 9 in their second game before further matches against England, Scotland and Ireland follow.
