Warren Gatland has turned to experience for the final Six Nations clash against France, making six changes to the Wales team which won in Italy as they bid to finish a tough campaign on a high against an in-form Les Bleus side.
Here's everything the Wales coach had to say at his team announcement press conference ahead of Wales' Super Saturday finale in Paris on Saturday:
Question: What's the thinking behind picking an experienced side?
Warren Gatland: “I think it was just to get some fresh legs. We were happy with Joe [Hawkins] and Mason [Grady] but they’re a bit banged up in terms of the games they’ve played. France have a bit more experience as well."
Is it the case there's less to be gained from exposing them against an in-form France this early in career?
"That wasn’t the thinking behind that. They will have learned a lot from last week’s experience. They’re building that combination.
"For us, we had some sore bodies after last weekend and it was about giving some guys an opportunity, bringing some experience back and freshening up some of the guys in the squad."
Why have you gone for Louis Rees-Zammit over Leigh Halfpenny at full-back?
“It’s just getting some of our players with some speed. We want to see how he goes. There’s not a lot of depth in Wales in terms of that position. So he gets a chance there.
"We expect a lot of kicking from France. They kicked the ball 42 times last week even though they won by 50 points. He’s got a good boot on him and we know we’ll be in a kick battle.
"But there’ll be opportunities to shift the ball and hopefully use the space to give Rio [Dyer] and Josh [Adams] the chance to get their hands on the ball and create something.”
Who will win France v Wales? Have your say here
Did the France win over England alter your selection plans?
“No.”
What happened to Jac Morgan in terms of his injury and what will Aaron Wainwright offer?
“He’s just rolled his ankle. Someone fell on him on Tuesday.
"It’s a great opportunity for Aaron Wainwright. He’s not had a chance in this camp. I’ve been impressed with the way he’s trained. He’s still a young man. We’ve seen that he’s matured well. He’s got some size about him and he’s dynamic and explosive.
"Probably his biggest work-on maybe is staying switched on and engaged for 80 minutes. We know what he can do with ball in hand. It’s just those moments when, say, there’s a kick battle and it’s your job to get back and work hard, [that] is the work-on for him. But we’ve been pleased with the way he’s gone in this campaign.”
What's the reason for Christ Thsiunza's absence in France this week?
“The reasoning behind him not being here was that we didn’t pick him for the Italy game, so he stayed behind. He wasn’t part of the 23. We felt we weren’t going to probably involve him this week.
"Selection wasn’t until Monday so we’d have flown him out on Sunday and he’d have had to fly out on Tuesday back to Exeter. He’s got a lot going on at the minute with exams and dissertations. He’s still a young man so it’s about making sure he gets the opportunity to get those things right.
"We’ve been pleased with him and the way he’s been working. By his own admission, he wasn’t happy with the last couple of games he’s played. He was a bit disappointed, but he’s definitely one for the future.”
Are you looking forward to going up against Shaun Edwards?
“I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure he’ll be pretty pumped up this weekend. It was a fantastic performance by them [France] against England. They’ll be disappointed by the loss in Dublin.
"They’ve probably been a little bit mixed. They were maybe lucky to get out of the game against Italy, where they could have lost. They’ve had a couple of good performances. One against Scotland, although they could have potentially been in a bit of trouble with those cards had Scotland not also had a red card. Last week’s performance was definitely outstanding.”
Is it the last chance for some players to impress?
“No, it’s not a last chance. If I look at the squad, going through it, there’s up to eight players in there who are potentially playing their last Six Nations game. We’ve got to think about building for the World Cup this year, but also thinking about 2027.
"You need to bring in some younger players and give them that time to develop. The ideal scenario is you want to go to a World Cup with a squad of mid to late 20s [in age] with 40 or 50 caps.
"That’s some of the thinking behind the selection behind guys who have been great servants to Welsh rugby but are probably involved in their last Six Nations game. The message to them who might be playing their last Six Nations game is enjoy the occasion and the moment. For a lot of them, it might be the last time they do that.”
Finally, how pleased are you for Taulupe Faletau winning his 100th Welsh cap?
“It’s an unbelievable achievement for what he’s done in the game. He’s been an incredible servant to Wales. He’s still quiet as ever and doesn’t say a lot. I can remember the early days when he came out of the Dragons and he never missed a training session.
"He was available every week. If you look at his record and how many times he started and played early on in his career, that was pretty impressive. He was unlucky at Bath with the amount of injuries he picked up there. He’s been brilliant for the Lions as well.
"Great accolade for him and his family as well, they’ll be there on Saturday. It’s something we need to celebrate and he needs to enjoy it. Hopefully the players go out there and perform to make it special for him.”
READ NEXT:
Wales duo set to reunite in England as they leave Welsh rugby
Welsh rugby hardman's 6ft 4in 17st 7lb son makes debut for dad's famous club
Wales warned of 70-point thrashing but coach backs young duo after issues
Justin Tipuric's speech to Wales' players and the celebration routine that brought back smiles
