Francis ready to tackle Wallabies

By Mark Stevens
3/11/16

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis has been named in the Welsh squad for this weekend’s Test clash against Australia.

The talented tight-head will win his 15th international cap should he be called upon during Saturday’s clash at the Principality Stadium (2:30pm)

Francis, 24, keeps his place in a Welsh squad that will include Leigh Halfpenny at full-back, the Toulon star making his first international appearance in 14 months.

Prop Gethin Jenkins will mark his 127th appearance by captaining the team, while Alex Cuthbert returns on the wing with Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies packing down in the second row and uncapped Ospreys fly-half Sam Davies named on the bench.

Experienced flanker Sam Warburton and No.8 Taulupe Faletau are ruled out by injuries, while lock Alun Wyn Jones misses the game following the death of his father.

Wales have lost 11 consecutive matches against the Wallabies since the 21-18 win in Cardiff in 2008 and the starting XV shows eight changes from the side beaten 46-6 by New Zealand in June.

"It's great to welcome back Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Lydiate, and Alex Cuthbert who missed the New Zealand tour plus George North and Gethin Jenkins who left the tour early with injury," said coach Rob Howley.

"With losing Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau and Alun Wyn Jones, we have spoken a lot about the leadership group this week and their importance on the field.

"From the Welsh squad's perspective, our thoughts go out to Alun Wyn and his family at this difficult time.

"With the two uncapped players, Sam Davies has played particularly well, he deserves his chance and hopefully will have an influence on the game.

"Cory Hill comes onto the bench, with Rory (Thornton) having picked up a back spasm, and we are delighted with him and how he has stepped up to t

Wales side to face Australia: Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon); Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), George North (Northampton); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins (Blues, capt), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Bath), Bradley Davies (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Ross Moriarty (Gloucester).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Cory Hill (Newport Gwent Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Gareth Davies, Sam Davies (Ospreys), Hallam Amos (Dragons).