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Josh Navidi has been passed fit to start his first Test for almost a year when Wales face leaders France in the Six Nations on Friday.
Navidi last played for his country against Les Bleus in the 2021 Six Nations, but will start at open-side flanker at the Principality Stadium after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Seb Davies comes in at blindside flanker, as Ross Moriarty and Taine Basham drop out of the side following a defeat to England at Twickenham that leaves the holders in fifth place.
Prop Gareth Thomas and centre Jonathan Davies also get the nod for the round-four showdown in Cardiff.
Tomas Francis and Josh Adams have been given the green light to start after coming through the return to play protocols.
Nick Tompkins will not feature after suffering a concussion in Saracens’ win over Leicester Tigers last weekend. Wing Louis Rees-Zammit returns, but will be among the replacements.
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: “Josh is a fantastic player and has played well for us in the past.
“He’s come back before straight back into the side so having 80 minutes under his belt for Cardiff we think that’s enough for him and we look forward to him being back out there bringing that experience.
“He’s a very good player and has played at this level on many occasions so that’s going to be great for us.
“Seb at six just gives us a little bit more size. It helps the lineout, but also in the wider channels where he often runs he’s got the skill set to trouble a few defenders out wide.
“I think Gareth made a really big impact for us last week as did a number of players and so he gets to start.”
Wales team: Liam Williams, Alex Cuthbert, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies, Josh Adams, Dan Biggar (captain), Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Ryan Elias, Tomas Francis, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Seb Davies, Josh Navidi, Taulupe Faletau.
Replacements: Dewi Lake, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ross Moriarty, Jac Morgan, Kieran Hardy, Gareth Anscombe, Louis Rees-Zammit.
