Six Nations Week 4 team news: Midfield shake-up for Wales،
The home stretch of the 2024 Six Nations looms as the teams head into the fourth round.
Ireland have been flawless so far and are now two matches away from being the first team to win back-to-back Grand Slams since the Six Nations era began in 2000. During the kick-off late on Saturday, England, who hope their pragmatic style of rugby will prove to be the leaders' undoing.
At the other end of the ranking, Italy is without a victory, but it is not without hope. They were denied a memorable victory against France last time out when Paolo Garbisi's late penalty hit the post in an agonizing 13-13 stalemate. “This is going to be on my mind for a while,” Garbisi said afterward. Italy will be hoping that is not the case, with second-placed Scotland in their sights.
Meanwhile, in the final game of the weekend, winless Wales will look for their own bright spot when they take on France.
Here's all the team news and everything you need to know ahead of the weekend.
Italy v Scotland, Saturday 2:15 p.m., Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Italy:
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Scotland:
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England:
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Ireland:
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Wales v France, Sunday, 3 p.m., Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Wales made five changes from Ireland's 31-7 matchday three lead.
There is a new look in midfield with George North and Nick Tompkins dropped to be replaced by Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin.
Hooker Ryan Elias arrives on the front line for his second start in the championship. Captain Dafydd Jenkins moves to the blindside flank, while Will Rowlands and Adam Beard form the second-row combination.
Gareth Davies has been added to the squad to start on the Cardiff bench.
Manager Warren Gatland admitted France would pose a big challenge for his young side.
“There are some changes to the squad this week as some players deserve an opportunity,” Gatland said.
“It will be a physical and difficult challenge for France on Sunday, especially up front. We know they will start strong and it is about us staying in the fight, having good line speed defensively and keeping our discipline. We are looking for an 80”. tiny performance.
“We are delighted to be back at home for our final two matches and look forward to getting back in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend.”
Wales: Cameron Winnett, Josh Adams, Joe Roberts, Owen Watkin, Rio Dyer, Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands, Keiron Assiratti, Ryan Elias, Gareth Thomas.
Substitutes: Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Dillon Lewis, Alex Mann, Mackenzie Martin, Gareth Davies, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady
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