Wales make four changes for France test as they hunt first Six Nations win — Wales v France
Wales have named four changes for their Six Nations meeting with reigning champions France on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2026 (ET), the latest reshuffle as head coach Steve Tandy searches for a response following a heavy opening-round defeat. The alterations include a back-row reorganisation that hands Olly Cracknell a start and recalls two experienced props to the front line.
Back-row shake-up: Cracknell handed No 8 debut
Leicester’s Olly Cracknell will make his first Six Nations start at No 8 as Wales look to add physicality and experience to their pack. The 31-year-old, who made his Test debut in the autumn, wins his third cap after impressing in training and making a strong impact off the bench last year. His selection prompts a positional switch in the back row: Aaron Wainwright moves from No 8 to blindside flanker and Alex Mann shifts to openside, with Josh Macleod dropped from the starting XV.
Tandy stressed the choices were influenced by the opposition and the need to pick players who had completed a full week of training. "There are a few changes for this week. A lot of it is based on who we are playing and then Olly Cracknell has done a full training week this week and also played really well in the autumn, " he said, flagging both form and readiness as reasons for the selection.
Front row, midfield and the crowd: tweaks to spark a response
The pack is further bolstered by the recall of Rhys Carre and Tomas Francis to join captain Dewi Lake in the front row, a reshuffle intended to stabilise set-piece platforms after last weekend’s collapse. In midfield Joe Hawkins comes in at inside centre to pair with Eddie James, replacing Ben Thomas and providing a fresh midfield combination at Principality Stadium.
Louis Rees-Zammit retains the full-back role with Josh Adams and Ellis Mee on the wings, and the selected starting XV mixes experience and youth as Wales attempt to arrest a widening gap in confidence. The starting line-up reads: L. Rees-Zammit; E. Mee, E. James, J. Hawkins, J. Adams; D. Edwards, T. Williams; R. Carre, D. Lake, T. Francis; D. Jenkins, A. Beard, A. Wainwright, A. Mann, O. Cracknell.
Wales head into the fixture still seeking their first Six Nations victory since 2023. The manner of the opening-round defeat to England — a 48-7 reverse — has prompted frank internal review. "We were bitterly disappointed with the performance last week. We've addressed it in meetings. The boys were open and honest around the fact that we didn't put ourselves in the game, " Tandy said, calling the loss "a massive lesson" that the squad must learn from quickly.
With France arriving as defending champions after a convincing opening win over Ireland, Wales will need both improved discipline and a sharper game plan to compete. Tandy also underlined the role supporters will play: "The crowd, the energy it brought and the response from players. The supporters mean a huge amount to us and they do inspire the players. Our aim on the weekend is to inspire the fans too. "
The campaign offers little time for reflection; Wales face a quick turnaround with a home fixture against Scotland scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026 (ET), meaning any reset must be immediate if confidence is to be restored.
