Wales skipper set for 148th Test appearance

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Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will level the world record of Test appearances when he makes his 148th international appearance in Saturday’s clash with France.

Jones, whose Test tally includes nine British & Irish Lions test caps, will pack down alongside Cory Hill who makes his first start for his country since February 2019.

Rhys Carre, Ryan Elias and Samson Lee comprise the front row with Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau featuring in the back row.

Rhys Webb and Dan Biggar are the halfback pairing with Nick Tompkins partnering the returning Jonathan Davies in midfield. Josh Adams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny make up the back three.

Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: ‘The players are excited, it has been a long time, we can’t wait for Saturday. We have six matches this autumn and the game against France helps us get back into our stride international rugby-wise.

‘We have picked an experienced side and are up against a good French team, so we want to start this autumn well and get on the front foot for the Six Nations fixture against Scotland.

‘We have talked already about how fortunate we are to be going about our work on a daily basis. A lot of people can’t do that and certainly within our organisation there are a lot of people not back at work.

‘From our point of view this Saturday is an opportunity to prepare for this tournament and for Scotland, but two, to put some smiles on faces and put on a good performance and make the nation proud.’

Uncapped duo Sam Parry and Louis Rees-Zammit are both named on the bench for the Test at Stade de France. Nicky Smith, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies and James Davies complete the forward replacements with Gareth Davies and Rhys Patchell joining Rees-Zammit as the backline cover.

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Craig Lewis