Francis to hit half century for Wales

By Mark Stevens
11/11/20

Exeter Chiefs prop Tomas Francis is set to hit another magical milestone in his playing career on Friday, when he will run out for his 50th Test cap for Wales in their Autumn Nations Cup against Ireland (7pm).

Fresh from helping his club to secure Premiership and European titles, the 28-year-old tighthead will pack down again alongside Rhys Carre and Ryan Elias in the Welsh front-row.

Wales, who lost their final Six Nations Championship clash with Scotland last time out, will be lead into battle by captain Alun Wyn Jones, who is set to make his 150th Test appearance.

Elsewhere, Justin Tipuric returns to the starting line-up after recovering from tonsillitis and features alongside Shane Lewis-Hughes and Taulupe Faletau in the back-roww.

Wales have named an unchanged back-line with Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar at half-back, Owen Watkin and Jonathan Davies partnering in the midfield, while Josh Adams, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny are named in the back-three.

“Friday night is the start of a new international season and a new campaign and we are looking forward to getting out there and showing what we can do,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

“We have got four matches in the Autumn Nations Cup to perform and we are excited to be kicking the tournament off.”

WALES TEAM TO PLAY IRELAND

1. Rhys Carre (Cardiff Blues, 10 Caps)
2. Ryan Elias (Scarlets, 15 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs, 49 Caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Wasps, 2 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, capt 140 Caps) 
6. Shane Lewis-Hughes (Cardiff Blues, 1 Cap)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, 77 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath, 78 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets, 55 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, 85 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues, 26 Caps)
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys, 23 Caps)
13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets, 83 Caps)
14. Liam Williams (Scarlets, 64 Caps)
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets, 91 Caps)

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons, 29 Caps)
17. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, 26 Caps)
18. Samson Lee (Scarlets, 42 Caps)
19. Jake Ball (Scarlets, 46 Caps)
20. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons, 23 Caps)
21. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues, 28 Caps)
22. Callum Sheedy (Bristol, Uncapped)
23. George North (Ospreys, 96 Caps)