Francis to start against All Blacks

By Mark Stevens
23/6/2016

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis is one of two changes Wales have made to their starting line-up to face New Zealand in the third test of their summer series in Dunedin.

Francis has featured off the bench in the opening two losses to the world champions, plus started the game against Super Rugby franchise Chiefs last week.

On Saturday, the talented tight-head goes from the outset, replacing Samson Lee in the Welsh No.3 jersey.

The other change also comes in the front-row where loosehead Rob Evans replaces Gethin Jenkins, who returned home earlier this week following a calf injury.

Coach Warren Gatland said: “We have played some good rugby in the first two tests and we want to finish the tour with an 80 minute performance that we are happy with.

“We improved going into the second test and fought to the end and this weekend we have to have the belief and confidence that we can take the victory.

“Playing under the roof in Dunedin will be a great atmosphere and a quick track, so we need to take our game to the All Blacks.”

Wales Team to Play New Zealand

Rhys Patchell (Cardiff Blues); Liam Williams (Scarlets), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Hallam Amos (Newport Gwent Dragons); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhyw Webb (Ospreys); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs); Luke Charteris (Racing 92), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys); Ross Moriarty (Gloucester), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Davies (Scarlets), Rhys Priestland (Bath), Scott Williams (Scarlets)