Wales team to play France: Owen Watkin returns as standout performer dropped

It was an afternoon to forget for Wales in south-west London for Tandy’s side last Saturday, as that defeat against the old enemy is their 12th consecutive in the tournament.

Wales lacked any sort of attacking flair, with any hope with the ball in hand being diminished through countless errors.

Discipline is another key area that will certainly come into discussion for Tandy when it comes to selection, as his side shipped two yellow cards in both halves in Twickenham.

It’ll be no easy task for whoever Tandy selects later this week, as a French side heads to the Welsh capital following brushing aside Ireland with ease at the Stade de France last Thursday.

Scroll down for who Ruck Rugby believes will start against Les Bleus.

Although he didn’t make much of an attacking threat throughout the contest, Bristol Bears’ Louis Rees-Zammit should remain wearing the 15-jersey. Elsewhere, Ellis Mee, who is strong under the high ball and has some noticeable quickness and footwork, should continue on the wing, whilst, for his size alone, Mason Grady should start on the other wing.

He came on against England when the contest was already lost, but with his speed and hunger to get involved, the 23-year-old is the perfect option here. Josh Adams, although he scored Wales’ only try last weekend, may feel hard done by; it’s about time his fellow Cardiff Rugby teammate had an opportunity.

As my Bus back to Richmond following the match at Allianz Stadium said, 'all change,' Tandy should do the same. Change his centres, again. In fact, it’s becoming rather comical how many partnerships Wales has had in the channel, but nothing seems to be progressing there.

Owen Watkin, who last played for Wales in Paris in the 2025 edition of the championship, will be perfectly suited at 13. With incredible defensive skills accompanied by Scarlets’ Joe Hawkins on his inside, this is Wales’ best pairing here.

But, I would not be at all shocked if Tandy remains firm and continues with Ben Thomas and Eddie James as his centres.

It’s pretty simple what the answer is here: Tandy should not change the half-back pairing of Tomos Williams and Dan Edwards.

Both will likely be the first names on the teamsheet, and it would be a backward step for the Wales head coach if they are not selected.

Wales need to show a lot more on the front foot, not on the ropes trying to survive. With that said, I would still select Nicky Smith over Rhys Carre at loose-head for his scrumaging ability, and despite his worst performance in a Wales jersey, Dewi Lake will remain at hooker.

However, this may come as no shock, but Tomas Francis adds great value upfront for Wales, especially when it comes to scrumaging.

He’s Wales’ best candidate at tight-head, and if he remains fit throughout the tournament, he shall remain there.

Again, I feel like this is a straightforward decision for Tandy.

Both Dafydd Jenkins and Adam Beard will remain in the second row, despite poor outings, particularly Jenkins. Dragons RFC Ben Carter may have a strong case here for selection, but they have done enough to remain in the starting XV.

Perhaps a little bit contradictory of myself, but I’ve gone with the best ball carriers in the back-row. That should see Olly Cracknell make his third appearance for Wales as he’s my eight to tackle France.

He’s known for getting his side over the gainline, and will be needed for his side, as last weekend, they were simply outmuscled. As the game against England went on, Josh Macleod seemingly grew into the contest and deserves another shot at openside.

Lastly, Aaron Wainwright, who was head and shoulders above everyone in the forward pack against England, will drop to the blind-side. He’s been consistently strong wherever he’s selected in the back-row, but could make more of an impact from here as well for the Leicester Tigers-bound player.