Will Hawkins and Cracknell Lead Wales Against France?

Wales is gearing up for a pivotal Six Nations clash against France, with significant changes expected in the midfield and back-row positions. Coach Steve Tandy is set to name his side on Friday, with Joe Hawkins poised to replace Ben Thomas at inside centre and Olly Cracknell likely to strengthen the back-row. Following a heavy defeat to England, Tandy aims to provide a fresh yet stable team as they seek redemption in Cardiff.

Last updated: 15 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Wales prepares to face France this Sunday, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism. After suffering a crushing defeat against England in their opening Six Nations match, Tandy is under pressure to deliver a competitive performance. The selection of Hawkins and Cracknell aims to inject physicality and consistency into the side, essential attributes for matching the powerful French team.

Key takeaways

Joe Hawkins is likely to replace Ben Thomas at inside centre.
Olly Cracknell is set to bolster the back-row, possibly at the expense of Josh Macleod.
Wales has lost 12 consecutive Six Nations matches, heightening the stakes for this game.
Coach Steve Tandy aims for a balance of experience and youth to combat France's strength.
The match will take place at the Principality Stadium on 15 February at 15:10 GMT.

Timeline: how we got here

Wales' journey to this crucial match has been fraught with challenges:

March 2023: Wales last won a Six Nations match, defeating Italy in Rome.
November 2025: Joe Hawkins and Olly Cracknell made their Test debuts in the autumn internationals.
February 2026: Wales loses heavily to England in their opening Six Nations game.
15 February 2026: Upcoming match against France at the Principality Stadium.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Wales has announced potential changes to their starting lineup, with Hawkins and Cracknell expected to play pivotal roles. This follows a reassessment of the squad after the disappointing performance against England, where the team struggled with physicality and cohesion.

What was already established

Wales has been on a losing streak in the Six Nations, with 12 consecutive losses. The team is looking to break this cycle while facing a formidable French side that has recently shown its strength by defeating Ireland.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The impending match has captured the interest of rugby fans across the UK, with ticket sales and viewership expected to surge. However, the team's performance also has broader implications for national pride and the sport's popularity in Wales and beyond.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses around the Principality Stadium are likely to see increased activity due to the match, benefiting from heightened consumer spending. A successful performance by the Welsh team could further boost local economies tied to rugby tourism.

Policy and regulation

While the game itself does not directly impact policy, the outcomes may influence discussions about sports funding and development in Wales, especially if the team continues to struggle in international competitions.

Numbers that matter

12: Consecutive losses in the Six Nations for Wales.
2: New inclusions in the starting lineup for the match against France.
15 February 2026: Date of the crucial match against France.
31: Total number of matches played by Olly Cracknell in top-tier rugby before his international call-up.
10: Points scored by Wales in their opening Six Nations match against England.

Definitions and jargon buster

Six Nations: An annual rugby union championship contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
Inside Centre: A key position in rugby union, typically responsible for attack and defence in the midfield.
Back-row: Refers to the players who play in the last row of the scrum, crucial for both attacking and defending.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales will focus on executing new strategies against France and subsequently Scotland, aiming to regain momentum in the tournament.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the outcomes of their Six Nations campaign, Wales may need to reassess player development and coaching strategies ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Signals to watch

The overall performance in the match against France.
Player fitness levels and injuries as the tournament progresses.
Feedback from coaching staff and player selection for subsequent matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Support the team by attending matches or watching from home.
Engage with local rugby communities to promote the sport.
Stay informed about player performances and team updates.

Don’t

Criticise players harshly; remember the challenges of international competition.
Underestimate the importance of team cohesion and morale.
Ignore the role of local businesses in supporting the sport.

Checklist

Confirm match details and times for viewing or attendance.
Follow team updates leading up to the match.
Engage with fan forums for tips on supporting the team.
Plan for local gatherings to watch the game with fellow supporters.
Stay updated on injury reports and team selections.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the changes to the lineup may bolster the team's performance, the ongoing losing streak poses significant psychological challenges. Further, injuries or selection issues could impact team cohesion as the tournament progresses. The unpredictability of international rugby means that fans should temper expectations, especially against a strong opponent like France.

Bottom line

This weekend's match against France is crucial for Wales, not only to end their losing streak but also to restore confidence within the squad. The introduction of Joe Hawkins and Olly Cracknell may provide the necessary edge, but it will ultimately depend on the team's execution on the day. Fans and players alike are hoping for a turnaround in fortunes as they look to build a stronger foundation for the rest of the tournament.

FAQs

Who are the key players for Wales against France?

Joe Hawkins and Olly Cracknell are set to be key players in the upcoming match, with Hawkins expected to enhance the midfield and Cracknell bringing physicality to the back-row.

When is the Wales vs France match taking place?

The match is scheduled for 15 February 2026 at 15:10 GMT at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

What is Wales' current Six Nations record?

Wales is currently on a 12-match losing streak in the Six Nations, last winning against Italy in March 2023.