Wales vs France: What time does it start, what channel is it on, where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Six Nations fixture at the Principality Stadium

Luke Pickles
Thursday 25 February 2016 16:55 GMT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wales, the team with a reputation for Grand Slams following World Cups, squares up against one of the two sides who still has the ultimate prize in their sights.

It’s a big game for…

Alex Cuthbert: The Lions and Barbarians winger has come under criticism recently for his poor form. He’s given another chance at the expense of his Cardiff colleague, Tom James, and he really needs to show off if he is to be given the test jersey long term again.

Teams...

Wales: Liam Williams; Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North; Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton (capt), Dan Lydiate; Alun Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies; Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Rob Evans.

Replacements: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe.

France: Maxime Medard; Vrimi Vakatawa, Maxime Mermoz, Jonathan Danty, Djbril Camara; Jules Plisson, Maxime Machenaud; Damien Chouly, Antoine Burban, Wencelsas Lauret; Alexandre Flanquart, Paul Jedrasiak; Rabah Slimani, Guilhem Guirado (capt), Jefferson Poirot.

Replacements: Camille Chat, Uini Atonio, Vincent Pelo, Yoann Maestri, Loann Goujon, Sebastien Bezy, Francois Trinh-Duc, Gael Fickou

Captain Comparison...

Name Sam Warburton Guilhem Guirado

Position Flanker Hooker

Club Cardiff Blues Toulon

Caps (As captain) 62 (22) 40 (2)

Points scored 20 10

Remember when…

Sam Warburton was sent off in the 18th minute? 2011, Eden Park, Auckland. Wales had a chance of a debut World Cup final when Warburton tackled Cleric and it all went wrong. Allen Rolland went to the Television Match Official to confer then decided to brandish a red card for a tip tackle, much to the commentary team’s surprise. The Wales captain left the field and watched his team fight on valiantly without him.

Check out the 10.40 mark and let us know what you think.

Weird stat…

4. This is the longest win streak both Wales and France have had against each other this century. Wales currently have four consecutive wins over the French since their defeat in the 2011 World Cup semi-final. The record win streak is held by the Welsh, who recorded 15 consecutive wins between 1908 and 1927.

Up and coming...

Camille Chat. The Racing 92 player recently made his debut against Ireland, despite being named in the matchday squad against Italy. He is clearly highly rated by the new coach, having been named as one of only two hookers, the other being Guilhem Guirado, in the original squad. The twenty year old hooker has a wonderful opportunity to learn from his captain and the former U20’s player has stepped up to the expectations.

Past three-meetings…

France 13 (Dulin) v Wales 20 (Biggar) February Six Nations 2015

Wales 27 (North, Warburton) v France 6 February Six Nations 2014

France 6 v Wales 16 (North) February Six Nations 2013

Form guide…

Wales: WDLLWW

France: WWLLW

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in