Warren Gatland has said Wales have some surprises up their sleeve in their Six nations opener in Paris tonight.
The 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship kicks off in the French capital at 8:15pm (GMT).
Wales are keen to bounce back from their worst spell to date marked by a 12-match losing streak and redeem themselves following last year’s wooden spoon.
In a press conference Gatland said , “We want to go out there and play some good rugby… and do some things that potentially France, aren’t going to expect us to do.”
He added the team haven’t spoken about the “negativity” surrounding their performance and he has tried to create a “siege mentality” in the camp.
“I think they’re they’re well aware of the the task they’re up against. There’s a good buzz around the group.”
Welsh Team News:
The appointment of Jac Morgan as captain brings a young fresh leadership to the squad. At 25, Morgan is one of the youngest captains in Six Nations history and represents a dedication to bring back pride to the Welsh badge.
Henry Thomas and Evan Lloyd earn their first starts in the front row, while last year’s captain Dafydd Jenkins begins at lock. Liam Williams and Josh Adams have returned to the back row, but Taulupe Faletau has been left out of this evening’s match day squad.
Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Freddie Thomas hope to make their Six Nations debuts off the bench.
Gatland has thrown key players such as Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Liam Williams back into the mix for this year’s campaign. Alongside, veteran Adam Jones as the new scrum coach bringing a wealth of experience.
Wales line-up: 15 – Williams; 14 – Rogers, 13 – Watkin, 12 – Tompkins, 11 – Adam; 10 – B. Thomas, 9 – T. Williams; 1 – G. Thomas, 2- Lloyd, 3 – H. Thomas,4 – Rowlands, 5 – Jenkins, 6 – Botham, 7 – Morgan (Captain), 8 – Wainwright.
Substitutes: 16 – Dee, 17 – Smith, 18 – Assiratti, 19 – F. Thomas, 20 – Reffell, 21 – R. Williams, 22 – Edwards, 23 – Murray.
French Team News:
France will be looking to begin this year’s tournament with a win in front of their home fans. Under head coach Fabien Galthié, Les Bleus begin the tournament after a period of strong Autumn form.
The formidable half-back duo of captain Antoine Dupont and fly-half Romain Ntamack is worth noting to. Dupont has returned to the side after missing last year’s tournament in preparation for the Olympic Games. Damian Penaud is now out with a muscular injury and has been replaced by 20-year-old Théo Attissogbé at centre.
The talent shines through the French squad as Galthié faces a tough choice on the starting fly-half with options including Mattieu Jailbert, Ntamack and Thomas Ramos who shone in the Autumn series as they aim for their first Six Nations title in three years.
France line-up: 15 – Ramos; 14 – Attissogbe, 13 – Barassi, 12 – Moefana, 11 – Bielle-Biarrey; 10 – Ntamack, 9 – Dupont (Captain) ; 1 – Gros, 2 – Mauvaka, 3 – Atonio, 4 – Roumat, 5 – Meafou, 6 – Cros, 7 – Boudehent, 8 – Alldritt.
Substitutes: 16- Marchand, 17 – Baille, 18 – Colombe, 19 – Auradou, 20 – Guillard, 21 – Jegou, 22 – Le Garrec, 23 – Gailleton.
There has been recent pressure on Gatland’s position as head coach following the side’s poor performance in the Autumn internationals.
Speaking on a podcast In Two Minds, Warren Gatland admitted he “wouldn’t be human or wouldn’t be honest” if he didn’t describe the last few weeks as “challenging”.
France are the 1/12 favorites heading into the match with Wales set as large 25/1 underdogs. Historically Wales have topped this fixture winning 51 times to France’s 50.
Wales will battle with nothing to lose with many already writing off their chances, which could make them more dangerous than ever.
However, winning in Paris remains an intimidating task.