20 Feb 2014

Wales halfback dropped for France match

6:30 am on 20 February 2014

Wales' veteran halfback Mike Phillips has been dropped to the bench for Saturday morning's Six Nations rugby match against France in Cardiff, while winger George North has moved into midfield in the absence of the injured Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies.

The defending champion Welsh are chasing a third consecutive crown, but after last weekend's crushing 26-3 defeat by Ireland, they must beat France to keep their title ambitions on track.

Coach Warren Gatland has promoted Rhys Webb to halfback.

France have made a perfect start to their campaign, narrowly beating England in their first match before comfortably beating Italy 30-10.