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Six Nations 2026: Wales to call up Hawkins and Cracknell to face France

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Cracknell was a late call-up for the November series after the loss of Taulupe Faletau to injury.

The 31-year-old blind-side or number eight made his Test debut off the bench against Argentina and then won man of the match in the last-kick win versus Japan.

Cracknell is in line to join Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann in the starting back row at the expense of open-side Josh Macleod.

“The balance probably wasn’t right last weekend,” said former Wales flanker and captain Ellis Jenkins.

“It’s making sure we have enough physicality so that we can match France at the contact area, tackle and collision.

“I like Alex Mann and Josh Macleod in their own right, but I am not sure against England and France whether it’s a bit under-powered.”

Wales could stick with a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench against the physicality of Les Bleus.

Tandy’s side are huge underdogs against a France side that eased past Ireland on opening weekend.

Wales have lost their past 12 games in the Six Nations, a streak that goes back to the win against Italy in Rome in March 2023.


BBC News

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