Josh Navidi returns for Wales to face France after year on the sidelines

Josh Navidi will return to the Wales starting XV after a year’s absence, one of four changes Wayne Pivac has made for the visit of France on Friday night in the Six Nations. On the other flank, Seb Davies will add noticeable heft to the back row.

Jonathan Davies brings 95 Tests of experience at inside-centre while Gareth Thomas starts for just the second time at loosehead prop.

Navidi’s last appearance for his country came in the 32-30 Six Nations defeat in Paris in March 2021 where he scored a try. However, a recurring shoulder injury, first sustained in April and then exacerbated in October, has stalled his progress.

He played all 80 minutes in his comeback match last Friday in Cardiff Blues’ 48-12 loss to Ulster, offering all the evidence Pivac needed for his selection.

“Certain players can do this and he has a history of stepping up,” the Wales coach said, citing Navidi’s 68 minutes against Ireland last year which was not preceded by any club rugby. “He’s ready to go and we’re very pleased to have him back.

“We looked at the England game and in our review [of the 23-19 loss last month] we looked at some of the errors we made and some of the penalties we gave away.

Wales: L Williams; A Cuthbert, O Watkin, J Davies, J Adams; D Biggar (cap), T Williams; G Thomas, R Elias, T Francis, W Rowlands, A Beard, S Davies, J Navidi, T Faletau. Replacements: D Lake, W Jones, D Lewis, R Moriarty, J Morgan, K Hardy, G Anscombe, L Rees-Zammit.

France: M Jaminet; Y Moefana, G Fickou, J Danty, G Villiere; R Ntamack, A Dupont (cap); C Baille, J Marchand, U Atonio, C Woki, P Willemse, F Cros, A Jelonch, G Alldritt. Replacements: P Mauvaka, JP Gros, M Haouas, T Flament, D Cretirn, M Lucu, T Ramos, M Lebel.

“Then we look at the experience