WALES have made four changes to their XV for Saturday’s Six Nations clash in France – with wing George North replacing Alex Cuthbert.

Lock Luke Charteris, hooker Scott Baldwin and tighthead Samson Lee also come in for Jake Ball, Richard Hibbard and Aaron Jarvis respectively after the 26-23 win in Scotland.

"We have made some tough calls and there were some tight decisions but it is a very strong team we are putting out," said head coach Warren Gatland.

"We have a lot of strength in depth at second row, it is a chance for Luke Charteris to get a start and we have been impressed with Bradley Davies (who is among the replacements) as well.

“It is nothing against Jake but we have a lot of strength in depth and it's an opportunity to see the other two.

"It's a chance for Scott Baldwin to start as well, the last time he started he went well in the victory over South Africa.

“It is great to have Samson back available and it was a tough call in the back three but we have decided to go with Liam and George.

"We felt we improved against Scotland and we are looking for another improvement this weekend. It's a tough competition to go on the road and ask for that but that is what we are looking for."

WALES TEAM TO FACE FRANCE

Leigh Halfpenny (Toulon), George North (Northampton Saints), Jonathan Davies (ASM Clermont Auvergne), Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Rhys Webb (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Charteris (Racing Metro), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dan Lydiate (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, CAPT), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Gloucester), Paul James (Bath), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Mike Phillips (Racing Metro), Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets).