France v Wales Preview: Wales will have to beat one of the World Cup favourites on home soil today if they are to avoid the dreaded Six Nations wooden spoon.
Assistant coach Scott Johnson believes Bernard Laporte's France are on course to lift the World Cup later this year. Wales are hoping to avoid a first Six Nations whitewash and at the same time secure a record-breaking third successive victory in Paris.
Coach Steve Hansen and Johnson have made four changes to the side beaten 25-24 by Ireland in Cardiff last Saturday with Iestyn Harris, Dwayne Peel, Craig Morgan and Mefin Davies all returning.
And Johnson has played his part in keeping spirits high during a season that has brought much pain and precious little gain.
He said: "They are a great bunch of guys who have tried to stay positive despite all the flak that has landed in their laps.
"However, on Saturday they are going to come up against a very, very good side, a side capable of winning the World Cup.
"I think France have more strength in depth than any other side in the world and they have a culture that enables them to play great rugby whilst mixing it too.
"That is why we have a massive task awaiting us in Paris. I know we played well against Ireland and on another day we might have been talking of a victory rather than a narrow, last-gasp defeat. But let's face it, France in Paris in the springtime is an altogether different prospect."
Captain Martyn Williams, who takes over from the injured Humphreys, is one of five players in the squad who has sampled victory in Paris. And he has every confidence in his side ahead of today's Test.
"I think a few people saw last weekend exactly what we are capable of achieving," said the Cardiff flanker.
"Okay, so in the end we were denied at the death, but we couldn't get any closer than we did.
"After the disappointment of Italy, Steve Hansen told us that he wouldn't accept any more performances like that and with the exception of the first half in Edinburgh, I think we have shown a marked improvement. We have to do the same again in Paris and hope that it is good enough."
The initial task for Williams will be to make sure he and his back-row colleagues, Dafydd Jones and Colin Charvis, can gain parity with Olivier Magne, Serge Betsen and Imanol Harinordoquy.
Williams said: "It's an impressive unit, but we have no fears about playing in Paris or against them. The spirit in this squad is as good as it gets, regardless of what we have been through this season.
"If we can draw on that spirit and play with the kind of passion and commitment that we did for much of the game against Ireland, we will be in there with a chance."
Hansen gives another chance at tight-head prop to Pontypridd's Gethin Jenkins, whilst veteran lock Gareth Llewellyn will win his 75th cap alongside the find of the season, Robert Sidoli.
In contrast, the French have kept the same side that defeated Italy 53-27 in Rome on Sunday.
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