Francis starts for Wales against Ireland

By Mark Stevens
5/2/21

Exeter Chiefs forward Tomas Francis has been named in the Wales starting line-up for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (3pm).

The 28-year-old will pack down at tight-head for his 53rd Test cap and he will be joined in the home side by Ospreys flanker Dan Lydiate, who will be making his first start for Wales since November 2018.

Lydiate’s inclusion is rich reward for his recent form and he will line-up in all British & Irish Lions back-row alongside Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.

Captain Alun Wyn Jones will partner the returning Adam Beard in the second-row, while Francis is joined in the front-row by the returning Ken Owens and Wyn Jones.

Behind them, Tomos Williams will make his first appearance since last year’s tournament after injury and partners Dan Biggar at half-back.

Johnny Williams partners fellow centre George North, who will be winning his 99th Wales cap, while the back-three comprises of Hallam Amos, Louis Rees-Zammit and Leigh Halfpenny.

“We are looking forward to kicking off our campaign this weekend and putting into action two really good training weeks,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“We made strides forward through the autumn and we are looking to take that into Sunday and into this tournament.The Six Nations is a fantastic tournament and is important for us rugby wise but it is important for so much more this year.

“It is important for communities across the country and we want to play our part and give everyone something to look forward to and to get excited about on the weekend.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND

1. Wyn Jones (30 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (77 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (52 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (21 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (capt, 143 Caps)
6. Dan Lydiate (64 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (80 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (81 Caps)
9. Tomos Williams (20 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (87 Caps)
11. Hallam Amos (22 Caps)
12. Johnny Williams (2 Caps)
13. George North (98 Caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (4 Caps)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (93 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (33 Caps)
17. Rhodri Jones (17 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (12 Caps)
19. Will Rowlands (5 Caps)
20. Josh Navidi (24 Caps)
21. Gareth Davies (57 Caps)
22. Callum Sheedy (4 Caps)
23. Nick Tompkins (8 Caps)