France vs. Wales

Saturday 28 February, 6:00pm

Stade de France

Both sides will be hoping to keep their championship hopes alive with victory in Paris on Saturday. France have defended well but struggled for points while Wales have scored and conceded heavily making this an intriguing contest.

Coach Philippe Saint-Andre will make a total of five changes for the clash against Wales. Pascal Pape has been banned for the rest of the tournament after he drove his knee into the back of Jamie Heaslip during the defeat to Ireland in the last round – he will be replaced in the lock position by Romain Taofifenua.

Centre Remy Lamerat has been brought in to take over from Mathieu Bastareaud who has been dropped to the bench, while Brice Dulin will take the place of full-back Scott Spedding who has been omitted from the squad altogether. Morgan Parra will fill the scrum-half position in place of the injured Rory Kockott.

Wales are fortunate to have comes out of the last round with no new injury worries and will be hoping to build on the positive aspects of their Murrayfield performance. A strong defensive display was let down by some lapses of concentration and poor decision making that Scotland failed to exploit. France may not be so generous in what should be a tight game on French soil.

This game could be decided from the boot and with Camille Lopez in fine form; the French will be looking to pounce on any kicking opportunities gifted to them by the Welsh. A disciplined and patient performance will be required from Warren Gatland’s men if they are to secure their second victory of the tournament. This one should be close but home advantage should push France over the line.

Prediction: France to win by 0-5 points.

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