Wales will field a new centre partnership after George North was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Six Nations match at home to France.
Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin were named in coach Warren Gatland’s team announced Wednesday instead of the established midfield pair of George North and Nick Tompkins, who have 155 caps between them.
The Principality Stadium match will be Roberts’s first Six Nations start after the Llanelli centre made his Test debut against Rugby World Cup warm-up opponents England last year.
Meanwhile, Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins has been switched to blindside flanker from lock, with Will Rowlands now partnering Adam Beard in the second-row. Up front, hooker Ryan Elias replaces Elliot Dee.
Wales are still searching for their first win of this Six Nations following defeats by Scotland, England and Ireland.
France, who have lost one, won one and drawn one so far in a mixed tournament, are due to name their side on Friday.
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Photo: Olivier Chassignole/AFP