Wales have been forced into a late change for Sunday’s Six Nations match against France with hooker Ryan Elias ruled out with a hamstring problem and Elliot Dee starting.
Elias, 29, suffered the problem during the final training session on Saturday at the Principality Stadium.
Dragons hooker Dee, 30, led Wales out in Cardiff as he prepared to win his 50th cap.
Uncapped Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd is promoted to the replacements bench.
Elias started the opening defeat against Scotland before Dee was given the number two jersey in the losses against England and Ireland.
Scarlets hooker Elias had initially been recalled to start against France before his injury issue.
“During the captain’s run his hamstring felt a bit tight, he went and saw the physios and they said it was too much of a risk,” said Wales head coach Warren Gatland.
“He’s had that type of injury before and we decided to make the change with Elliott Dee starting and Evan Lloyd coming onto the bench.”
