AARON Wainwright has kept his place in Wales’ back row ahead of Dragons teammate Ross Moriarty for Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.

The 22-year-old from Bassaleg will win his 17th cap at blindside in Oita, joining forces with openside Justin Tipuric and number eight Josh Navidi.

Wainwright's form in the World Cup warm-ups earned him a place in the XV in the opener against Georgia and the key clash against Australia.

After being on the bench against Fiji he returned versus Uruguay, albeit at number eight, and keeps his place in the back row.

Moriarty has to be content with the role of impact sub against Les Bleus and is joined on the bench by the third and final Dragon, Elliot Dee.

The hooker featured as a replacement in all four group games and is Lions forward Ken Owens’ back-up.

Newbridge's Dee has established himself in Test rugby impressively to become a regular for Warren Gatland, playing in 25 of Wales' last 26 Tests.

South Wales Argus:

Centre Jonathan Davies and fly-half Dan Biggar have been named in the XV, which is the same as the one that beat Australia in the key Pool D clash.

Davies has recovered from a knee injury suffered against Fiji nine days ago, while fly-half Biggar has successfully followed return to play protocols following a head injury. Wing George North has shaken off an ankle knock to also start.

The Welsh Rugby Union said they had worked with World Rugby to provide the highest level of care for Biggar following his concussion against Fiji.

The WRU said he had remained symptom-free and had completed the graduated return to play protocols with no issues.

Management of the player had included MRI scanning and two consultations with an independent concussion consultant from Australia, the WRU said in a statement.

Adam Beard covers lock instead of Aaron Shingler while loosehead Rhys Carre is preferred to Nicky Smith as Wyn Jones’ back-up.