Captain Colin Charvis returns from injury in one of four changes to the Wales team to face France in a Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Sunday.
Charvis will replace Martyn Williams, who drops to the bench, while Mark Taylor has been named by coach Steve Hansen to replace Sonny Parker, who broke his thumb in the 36-15 loss to Ireland last month.
Prop Adam Jones, who injured an ankle in a club game, has been replaced by Gethin Jenkins, while Robert Sidoli has been replaced by Michael Owen at lock.
Sidoli will play for his club instead. "Sid [Sidoli] will turn out for his region because he needs more match play," said Hansen in a statement today.
"He has only played two games in the last eight weeks because of his pelvis problem and in Michael Owen we have someone who is in excellent current form."
Wales, impressive in their opening 23-10 victory over Scotland, were completely outplayed by the Irish forwards in Dublin and face a French pack that has been beefed up with the inclusion of Biarritz number eight Thomas Lievremont at the expense of the more mobile Olivier Magne.
"We had a tough decision in the back row and have gone for size to combat a big French pack," said Hansen of the decision to reinstate Charvis at the expense of the smaller Williams.
"The decision is no reflection on Martyn's performance last time out and he will no doubt come on and play a part later in the game, as he has done so effectively in the past."
Hansen added the decision to include specialist centre Taylor in the starting lineup was because of the versatility offered by Tom Shanklin off the bench.
"Mark Taylor comes in at centre and offers a valuable level of experience and, of the options available to us to replace Sonny, Tom Shanklin is able cover wing, centre and full-back for us from the bench."
Wales team:15-Gareth Thomas; 14-Rhys Williams, 13-Mark Taylor, 12-Iestyn Harris, 11-Shane Williams; 10-Stephen Jones, 9-Gareth Cooper; 8-Dafydd Jones, 7-Colin Charvis (captain), 6-Jonathan Thomas, 5-Michael Owen, 4-Brent Cockbain, 3-Gethin Jenkins, 2-Robin McBryde, 1-Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16-Mefin Davies, 17-Ben Evans, 18-Gareth Llewellyn, 19-Martyn Williams, 20-Dwayne Peel, 21-Ceri Sweeney, 22-Tom Shanklin.