Francis named on Welsh bench

By Mark Stevens
16/6/2016

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis has again been named on the Welsh bench ahead of their second Test against New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

Francis, who won his 12th international cap when he appeared off the bench in last weekend's 39-21 defeat to the world champions, will again provide back up to Scarlets tight-head Samson Lee.

The 24-year-old had the chance to press his claims for a starting spot during the week, but he was part of a Welsh side thumped 40-7 by Super Rugby side Chiefs.

Although Francis keeps his place in the squad, head coach Warren Gatland has made two changes to his team. Luke Charteris returns in the second-row at the expense of Bradley Davies, who drops down to the bench.

The other change sees Rhys Patchell start at full-back with Liam Williams shifting to the wing in the absence of the injured George North.

"It is important we go out on Saturday with the confidence to play for 80 minutes in what will be another huge test match," said Gatland. "We kept the ball and played well for periods of the first test and we need to convert that to the full eighty.

"It will be another huge occasion, in a packed out stadium in Wellington and we are determined to build on our first test performance."

WALES TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND

Rhys Patchell (Cardiff Blues), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Rob Evans (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby), Scott Williams (Scarlets).