Wales Rugby Faces France Challenge: Tandy Makes Key Line-up Changes
Wales faces a daunting task this Sunday as they host France at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, seeking to end a frustrating 12-match losing streak in the Six Nations. Head coach Steve Tandy has responded to last week’s heavy defeat against England with four changes to the starting XV.
Pack Power: New Props and a Back Row Shift
The most notable changes come in the front row, where Rhys Carré and Tomas Francis are brought in as the starting props. Francis makes his first start since the 2023 World Cup. Dewi Lake will captain the side from hooker, supported by locks Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard. In the back row, Aaron Wainwright moves from number eight to blindside flanker, with Olly Cracknell stepping in at number eight, and Alex Mann shifting to openside.
Hawkins Enters the Midfield
The only alteration in the backs sees Joe Hawkins replace Ben Thomas at inside centre. Louis Rees-Zammit continues at full-back, with Josh Adams and Ellis Mee on the wings. The half-back pairing remains Dan Edwards and Tomos Williams.
Bench Configuration Adjusts
Tandy has opted for a 5-3 split on the bench, providing five forward replacements – Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith, Archie Griffin, Ben Carter, and Taine Plumtree – and three backs – Kieran Hardy, Jarrod Evans, and Mason Grady.
Wales vs. France: Match Details
Wales and France will kick off at 3:10pm GMT on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. UK viewers can watch the match live and free on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 2:30pm GMT. A live stream will as well be available via the BBC Sport website, app, and iPlayer.
Team Line-ups at a Glance
Wales Starting XV
15. Louis Rees-Zammit
14. Ellis Mee
13. Eddie James
12. Joe Hawkins
11. Josh Adams
10. Dan Edwards
9. Tomos Williams
1. Rhys Carré
2. Dewi Lake (captain)
3. Tomas Francis
4. Dafydd Jenkins
5. Adam Beard
6. Aaron Wainwright
7. Alex Mann
8. Olly Cracknell
Wales Replacements
16. Ryan Elias
17. Nicky Smith
18. Archie Griffin
19. Ben Carter
20. Taine Plumtree
21. Kieran Hardy
22. Jarrod Evans
23. Mason Grady
Looking Ahead: Wales’ Six Nations Fixtures
- February 7: England v Wales
- February 15: Wales v France
- February 21: Wales v Scotland
- March 6: Ireland v Wales
- March 14: Wales v Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Wales vs France kick off?
The match kicks off at 3:10pm GMT on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Where can I watch Wales vs France?
The game will be broadcast live and free on BBC One in the UK, and streamed on the BBC Sport website, app, and iPlayer.
Who are the key changes to the Wales team?
Rhys Carré, Tomas Francis, Joe Hawkins, and Olly Cracknell all come into the starting line-up.
What is the bench split for Wales?
Wales will have a 5-3 bench split, with five forwards and three backs.
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