Wales, still seeking a first Guinness Six Nations title since 2023, have made four changes for Sunday’s game against France.

Leicester back-rower Olly Cracknell will make his Six Nations debut for Wales. The 31-year-old becomes the fifth oldest player to feature for Wales this autumn, making his third cap for Wales in a revamped back-row.

Aaron Wainwright moved from No. 8 to blindside flanker, Alex Mann moved to space and Josh Macleod dropped out, things changed after Wales were thrashed 48-7 by England in their Championship opener.

Head coach Steve Tandy said: “There are a few changes this week. A lot of the changes depend on our opponents and Ollie Cracknell has had a full training session this week and played really well in the autumn as well.”

“We are very disappointed with last week’s performance. We have addressed this issue in the meeting.

“The boys were open and honest about the fact that we didn’t involve ourselves in the game.”

Other changes for Wales include the recall of props Rhys Carre and Thomas Francis to join captain Devi Lake in the front row.

Joe Hawkins replaces Ben Thomas at inside centre, joining Scarlets colleague Eddie James in midfield.

Bristol flyer Louis Rees-Zammit remains at fullback, with Josh Adams and Ellis Mee at full-back.

Wales are seeking a first Six Nations win since 2023 and Tandy said: “We felt we were falling a bit into England’s hands and obviously the discipline was very disappointing.

“This is a huge lesson for us. We need to correct that and put more energy into Sunday’s game.

“We are delighted to be back at the Principality Stadium. We had four games in the autumn and the attendances were incredible.

“I know I’ve talked a lot about the New Zealand game – the crowd, the energy it brings and the reaction of the players.

“The fans mean a lot to us and they really inspire the players. Our goal for the weekend was to inspire the fans as well.”

Defending champion France opened the Six Nations campaign with a comprehensive 36-14 victory over Ireland.

Wales vs. France

Start fifteen: L Rees-Zammit (Bristol), E Mee, E James, J Hawkins (all Scarlet), J Adams (Cardiff), D Edwards (Osprey), T Williams (Gloucester); R. Carre (Saracens), D. Lake (Ospreys), T. Francis (Provence), D. Jenkins (Exeter), A. Beard (Montpellier), A. Wainwright (Dragon), A. Mann (Cardiff City), O. Cracknell (Leicester City).

Alternatives: R. Elias (Scarlet), N. Smith (Leicester), A. Griffin (Bath), B. Carter (Dragon), T. Plumtree (Scarlet), K. Hardy (Osprey), J. Evans (Harlequin), M. Grady (Cardiff City).