Blog Banner

Six Cardiff Blues stars involved as Wales bid for Grand Slam success in Paris

International | 18th March 2021


Six Cardiff Blues stars have been selected in Wales' matchday squad as they bid for Grand Slam success in Paris on Saturday.

Wales are on the verge of a fifth Grand Slam since 2005, which is the most in the Six Nations era, but will need to overcome a formidable French outfit at Stade de France.

After claiming maximum points in Rome last week to go four from four, Wayne Pivac has kept faith with the side, opting to make just a single change to his starting line-up.

Both Josh Navidi and Josh Adams retains their starting spots, after man of the match and try-scoring displays against Italy respectively.

Four of their Cardiff Blues team-mates are named on the bench, including the returning Tomos Williams. The scrum half has been out of action since suffering an injury in the opening round clash against Ireland and replaces namesake Lloyd Williams in the number 21 jersey.

Cory Hill, who started against the Italians, is also named amongst the replacements as he makes way for Adam Beard in the starting line-up.

Willis Halaholo is set for his fourth consecutive international appearance from the bench, with James Botham coming in to provide back row cover, hoping to win his sixth cap.

A total of 11 Cardiff Blues players have been part of the national set-up throughout the campaign, with another four previously representing the club at age grade level.

“We are all looking forward to Saturday and to the finale of the Six Nations,” said Wales head coach Pivac.

“We are four from four to date but know this weekend will be a great challenge against a very good French side, but we are looking forward to it.

“We know we need to step up from our previous performances and we want to end the tournament with a performance we know we are capable of.

“We have had great continuity in selection throughout the tournament and that is shown once again with the selection for Saturday.”

The six players selected for Saturday's encounter makes Cardiff Blues the most represented club in the matchday 23.

WALES TEAM TO PLAY FRANCE (SATURDAY MARCH 22 KO 21.00 LOCAL, BBC & S4C)

1. Wyn Jones (Scarlets, 34 Caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets, 81 Caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs, 56 Caps)
4. Adam Beard (Ospreys, 24 Caps)
5. Alun Wyn Jones (CAPT) (Ospreys, 147 Caps)
6. Josh Navidi (Cardiff Blues, 27 Caps)
7. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys, 84 Caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Bath Rugby, 85 Caps)
9. Gareth Davies (Scarlets, 61 Caps)
10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, 91 Caps)
11. Josh Adams (Cardiff Blues, 31 Caps)
12. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets, 87 Caps)
13. George North (Ospreys, 101 Caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby, 8 Caps)
15. Liam Williams (Scarlets, 70 Caps)

Replacements:

16. Elliot Dee (Dragons, 36 Caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys, 38 Caps)
18. Leon Brown (Dragons, 16 Caps)
19. Cory Hill (Cardiff Blues, 31 Caps)
20. James Botham (Cardiff Blues, 5 Caps)
21. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Blues, 21 Caps)
22. Callum Sheedy (Bristol Bears, 8 Caps)
23. Uilisi Halaholo (Cardiff Blues, 3 Caps)