CARDIFF, Wales (AP) Wales has ended its experiment with two openside flankers and recalled Dan Lydiate to the back row for its Six Nations game against France in Cardiff on Friday.
Winger Alex Cuthbert and lock Bradley Davies, who replaces the injured Luke Charteris, were the other changes from the win over Scotland in Round 2 when the team was announced on Tuesday.
Wales coach Warren Gatland used opensides Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton in the back row against Ireland and Scotland. Lydiate, who offers better defense, comes in for Tipuric and captain Warburton reverts to No. 7.
Charteris misses out with a knee injury, while Cuthbert comes in for Tom James.
Wales opened with a 16-16 draw in Ireland.
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Wales: Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Jamie Roberts, George North, Dan Biggar, Gareth Davies; Taulupe Faletau, Sam Warburton, Dan Lydiate, Alun-Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies, Samson Lee, Scott Baldwin, Rob Evans. Reserves: Ken Owens, Gethin Jenkins, Tomas Francis, Jake Ball, Justin Tipuric, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe.
