France U20s ring the changes again ahead of Wales clash

France have won two of their opening matches, including a comprehensive 30-17 win over Scotland a fortnight ago, but were beaten by Ireland at the death in Round 2.

They face a Wales side who defeated Scotland in Round 2 of the Six Nations Under-20s but suffered a 43-14 defeat to England in Doncaster in Round 3.

Béderède has consistently been making changes throughout the competition, and he has continued to do so ahead of the trip to Wales.

Hooker Connor Sa continues from the win in Edinburgh, but he is joined by Thomas Moukoro and Thomas Cretu in the front row, with Matis Perchaud dropping to the bench.

Second row duo Samuel M’Foudi and Hugo Auradou continue from their impressive performances in Round 3, as do Léo Banos and Player of the Match a fortnight ago Théo Ntamack in the back row.

They are joined by Noë Della Schiava at openside flanker, who replaces Esteban Capilla, the scorer of one of the tries of the Championship so far against Scotland.

In the backs, Béderède makes just two changes, with half-back pairing Baptiste Jauneau and Emile Dayral continuing, as well as the midfield duo of Louis Le Brun and captain Emilien Gailleton, who were both on the scoresheet last time out.

In the back three, there are two changes, as Enzo Reybier is joined by Romain Fonnicola and Léo Barré, the Stade Français playmaker.

Ahead of the clash with Wales, Béderède said: “These changes are based on the logic we have been following all Championship, namely, to observe players in high intensity matches.

“Therefore, we have rotated in certain areas, giving the opportunity to certain players to start the match but also to integrate players that we knew could join us like Léo Barré, Clément Garrigues or Romain Fonnicola.

• HIGHLIGHTS: SCOTLAND UNDER-20S V FRANCE UNDER-20S

“We also want to to build with the players who played in the opening matches. We want to see a certain stability while giving ourselves the opportunity to observe new players.

“The expectations are to build on the good things we did in Scotland. The players will go out there to win the game and everyone knows that Wales will want to put in a big physical challenge.

“They will put pressure on us and we will have to react together to what is going to happen – that’s been our strength throughout the competition.”