Williams, 33, will equal Colin Charvis' 94-cap record for a Wales forward when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium against the Grand Slam-chasing French.

BBC: Wales boss Gatland warns Martyn Williams and Ryan Jones

Williams starts at open-side, with Colin Charvis switching to blind-side and Michael Owen coming onto the bench.

BBC: Wales suffer flanker Thomas blow

Only Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and Colin Charvis keep their places in the side.

BBC: Wales suffer flanker Thomas blow

Maik Taylor (Fulham), Roy Carroll (Wigan), Aaron Hughes (Newcastle), Mark Williams (Watford), Danny Griffin (St Johnstone), Ian Nolan (Sheffield Wednesday), Colin Murdock (Preston), Pat McGibbon (Wigan), Kevin Horlock (Manchester City), Keith Gillespie (Blackburn), Damien Johnson (Blackburn), Michael Hughes (Wimbledon), Jim Magilton (Ipswich), Jeff Whitley (Manchester City), Danny Sonner (Sheffield Wednesday), Steve Lomas (West Ham), James Quinn (West Brom), Adrian Coote (Norwich), David Healy (Manchester United), Stephen Robinson (Bournemouth).

BBC: McIlroy rings the changes