Wales face France in the first of Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals as they look to build on an impressive pool stage.
A hard-fought victory over Australia, and a more comfortable win against the likes of Georgia and Uruguay, meant Warren Gatland’s side topped Pool D. France, meanwhile, finished second in their pool behind England, and are now faced with the unenviable task of beating a Wales side they have lost to in seven of their last eight meetings.
Wales are clear favourites to progress into the semi-finals – where one of Japan or South Africa will be waiting – but they will not be taking their opposition lightly.
Gatland has been boosted, though, by the return to fitness of both Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies, while French pair Antoine Dupont and Damian Penaud will start.
And this quarter-final will signal the end for one of the two coaches, with both Gatland and Jacques Brunel set to step down following the World Cup.
Teams
Wales: Liam Williams, George North, Jonathan Davies, Hadleigh Parkes, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies, Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Alun Wyn Jones (c), Aaron Wainwright, Justin Tipuric, Josh Navidi
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rhys Carre, Dillon Lewis, Adam Beard, Ross Moriarty, Tomos Williams, Rhys Patchell, Owen Watkin
France: Maxime Medard, Damian Penaud, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Yoann Huget, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Dupont, Jefferson Poirot, Guilhem Guirado (c), Rabah Slimani, Bernard le Roux, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Wenceslas Lauret, Charles Ollivon, Gregory Alldritt
Replacements: Camille Chat, Cyril Baille, Emerick Setiano, Paul Gabrillagues, Louis Picamoles, Baptiste Serin, Camille Lopez, Vincent Rattez
Where can I watch it?
ITV1 will be broadcasting the match, with coverage starting at 7.30am. Alternatively, you can stream it via the ITV Hub on your laptop, smartphone or laptop.
When is it?
Wales vs France kicks off at 8:15am BST on Sunday 20 October.
Odds
Wales 2/5
Draw 30/1
France 11/4
