Wales have changed their centre partnership to face France in the Six Nations on Sunday in Cardiff.

They are among five changes to the side beaten by Ireland, including a positional switch that sees captain Dafydd Jenkins start at blind-side flanker for the first time.

Lock Will Rowlands and hooker Ryan Elias are also promoted to start.

Rowlands partners Adam Beard in the second row while Elias replaces Dragons hooker Dee, who is now set to win his 50th Wales cap from the replacements bench.

Gareth Davies is also recalled among the replacements at Principality Stadium.

Centre changes

Tompkins and North have been Wales' established midfield partnership in the last year, but have been left out of the matchday squad completely. Wales have confirmed neither player is injured.

Roberts will make his Six Nations debut in only his second Test appearance, after wining his first Wales cap against England in their World Cup warm-up defeat at Twickenham last summer.

The 23-year-old Scarlets centre missed out on World Cup selection but was named in the Six Nations squad.

Watkin also missed the World Cup but was recalled for this tournament and started in the opening defeat against Scotland.

Tompkins has played 35 internationals, while North is Wales' third-most-capped player after playing his 120th Test against Ireland.

After missing the opening match against Scotland, Ospreys centre North has been one of Gatland's more impressive performers during the Six Nations.

Back-row reshuffle

Jenkins has never started a professional game at six for either Exeter Chiefs or Wales, but Gatland will be looking for a more physical presence in the back row.

James Botham started the opening defeat against Scotland in the number six jersey but suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Cardiff team-mate Mann for the next two matches.

Christ Tshiunza has been missing for the last four months with a broken foot and makes his return this (Wednesday) evening in a friendly for Exeter.

Wales have lost 10 out of their last 11 Six Nations games including three in this year's tournament.

They are battling to avoid their first Six Nations wooden spoon in 21 years with a home match to finish the tournament against Italy on Saturday, 16 March.

"There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity," said Gatland.

"It'll be a tough, physical challenge from France on Sunday particularly up front.

"We know they will start hard and it's about us staying in the fight, having good line speed defensively and keeping our discipline. We're looking for an 80 minute performance.

"We're excited to be back at home for our last two matches and looking forward to getting out in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend."

Wales: Winnett; Adams, Roberts, Watkin, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; Thomas, Elias, Assiratti, Rowlands, Beard, D Jenkins (capt), Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: Dee, Domachowski, Lewis, Martin, Mann, G Davies, Lloyd, Grady.