By Graham Thomas
Taulupe Faletau is close to fitness, Wales coach Warren Gatland has insisted, even though the No.8 will not play against France on Friday night.
Faletau had been earmarked for a dramatic comeback in the Six Nations opener in Paris, but a knee injury has denied Gatland of arguably his one proven world class forward.
But Gatland has suggested Faletau – who has not played for Wales since the win over Georgia at the World Cup 16 months ago – could make his return against Italy in round two of the tournament.
“He’s just not quite ready,” said Gatland after naming his team for the clash at the Stade de France.
“He made the call on Tuesday to say he’s not quite ready for selection. He’s still part of the squad and he’ll still come with us. We’re hoping he’ll be right for Italy.
“He’s not 100 per cent. His knee is a bit sore at the moment. He didn’t feel he’d be 100 per cent for Friday so he wanted some more time for Italy.”
With Faletau injured, Aaron Wainwright has taken the No.8 spot, with Jac Morgan captaining the side from flanker, supported by James Botham on the blindside.
Head coach Warren Gatland on today’s team announcement for our 2025 @SixNationsRugby opener in Paris! #GuinnessM6N | #FRAvWAL pic.twitter.com/6yuViI11Wq
— Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) January 29, 2025
Former England prop Henry Thomas will earn his first start for Wales with Gatland blending experience with fresh faces in a bid to end his team’s dismal run of form.
Thomas, who previously played for England before switching allegiance in 2023 under World Rugby’s eligibility rules, lines up alongside Evan Lloyd, the Cardiff hooker making his Test debut due to injuries to Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias.
Wales welcome back seasoned internationals Josh Adams and Liam Williams, who return to the backline, bringing a combined 151 caps of experience.
Williams, who rejoined Saracens after a stint in Japan, slots in at full-back, while Adams takes his place on the wing.
Exeter lock Dafydd Jenkins also makes his long-awaited return after knee and shoulder surgeries kept him out for almost a year. He partners Will Rowlands in the second row.
Ben Thomas is preferred at fly-half over uncapped Dan Edwards, who will look to make his Test debut from the bench.
Tomos Williams starts at scrum-half, while Owen Watkin and Nick Tompkins form the midfield partnership.
With Nicky Smith set to win his 50th cap as a replacement and both Freddie Thomas and Blair Murray poised for their first Six Nations appearances, Gatland has opted for a balanced bench that includes a mix of experience and emerging talent.
Wales enter the tournament on the back of 12 consecutive Test defeats, their longest losing streak, and will be eager to reverse their fortunes after finishing last in the 2024 Six Nations.
Despite pressure surrounding his position, Gatland has retained the backing of the Welsh Rugby Union to lead a resurgence.
“We are excited for the challenge on Friday,” Gatland said. “The Six Nations is the best rugby competition in the world. Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that, and start our championship well.”
Gatland believes the hosts will feel the weight of expectation from their home supporters.
“Ironically, I think there is more pressure on them [France] because of the expectation from their fans,” he noted.
“They expect them to go out there, throw the ball around, score tries, and entertain everyone. From my point of view, sometimes teams can go and overplay, particularly early on, try things and make mistakes, and this gives you opportunities.”
Reflecting on last year’s encounter, where Wales led for over an hour before France’s bench swung the game in the closing stages, Gatland emphasised the importance of squad depth.
Dupont Ntamack Ramos
Your France team to face Wales in the opening Men’s Six Nations fixture this Friday.
Can the Toulouse trio catapult France to a Grand Slam? pic.twitter.com/AbJ5o6tLEc
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“We look back at last year, and we were in front for 60-odd minutes, and then their bench came on and had a massive impact in the last 15 minutes of the game.
“That’s why we’ve tried to get the balance right with some of that experience on our bench,” he explained.
“I think they [Wales’ players] are well aware of the task. We want to go out there, play some good rugby, and do some things that potentially France aren’t going to expect us to do.”
Wales: L Williams (Saracens); T Rogers (Scarlets), N Tompkins (Saracens), O Watkin (Ospreys), J Adams (Cardiff); B Thomas (Cardiff), T Williams (Gloucester); G Thomas (Ospreys), E Lloyd (Cardiff), H Thomas (Scarlets), W Rowlands (Racing 92), D Jenkins (Exeter), J Botham (Cardiff), J Morgan (Ospreys, capt), A Wainwright (Dragons).
Replacements: E Dee (Dragons), N Smith (Leicester), K Assiratti (Cardiff), F Thomas (Gloucester), T Reffell (Leicester), R Williams (Dragons), D Edwards (Ospreys), B Murray (Scarlets).
