Tomas Francis: Wales won't shy away from Georgia challenge

Francis before the Guinness Six Nations match at the Stade De France. Credit: David Davies/PA Archive/PA Images

Tomas Francis says Wales are relishing the inevitable forward battle that awaits them in their World Cup opener against Georgia.

Wales know from experience just how tough the Georgians can be up front, surviving a major score during the 2017 autumn Tests.

A much-changed Wales team ultimately prevailed 13-6 in Cardiff, but Georgia's set-piece excellence shone through as they pushed their opponents all the way.

Francis scoring against South Africa in the 2017 friendly. Credit: David Davies/PA Archive/PA Images

Wales' scrummaging work came under the spotlight in recent World Cup warm-up games against England and Ireland.

Their scrum struggled to make an impression, although Francis was at the forefront of a much-needed improved display when Wales lost to Ireland in a Dublin return fixture on September 7.

All 20 teams at the World Cup in Japan will operate under a World Rugby scrummaging law amendment that was implemented this summer.

It is aimed at ending so-called "axial loading", with the practice of front-row forwards placing their heads on to opposition players' head or shoulders between the call of 'bind' and 'set' on scrummaging engagement now outlawed.