Navidi, who could make his first European appearance of the season in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 next month following Cardiff’s demotion from the Heineken Champions Cup, comes in at openside flanker after recovering from a shoulder injury he picked up in October.

Meanwhile, Navidi’s Cardiff teammate Seb Davies has been brought in at blindside flanker as Wales seek to bounce back from their 23-19 defeat to England at Twickenham Stadium a fortnight ago.

The back-row duo join clubmates Tomos Williams and Josh Adams in the starting team, who continue at scrum-half and on the wing respectively.

There is further EPCR Challenge Cup talent retaining their places in the side, in Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar, Bath Rugby No.8 Taulupe Faletau and Dragons lock Will Rowlands.

Visitors France, who are gunning for the Grand Slam, have made a single alteration to the team which started their 36-17 victory against Scotland at BT Murrayfield in the previous round.

Gloucester Rugby wing Louis Rees-Zammit has been named on the bench after being recalled to the squad this week.

Head coach Fabien Galthie has called up RC Toulon wing Gabin Villiere, who scored a try against Worcester Warriors in his solitary EPCR Challenge Cup appearance this campaign to help the TOP 14 side wrap up their qualification from Pool A.

Cardiff Rugby’s Josh Navidi is set to start for Wales as head coach Wayne Pivac tweaks his starting XV for the Six Nations clash with France at Principality Stadium on Friday.