Grand Slam winner warns Wales NOT to expect the unexpected from France

By Nathan Parker

WALES will edge the French in Cardiff on Saturday – but they can expect power rather than unpredictability from Les Bleus.

That’s the verdict of Grand Slam-winning former centre Tom Shanklin, who believes the old cliche about wondering which French team will turn up has little relevance in terms of the current Six Nations.

Wayne Pivac’s Wales know victory on Saturday at the Principlaioty Stadium is essential if they are to retain title-winning hopes after the 24-14 defeat to Ireland in Dublin a fortnight ago.

Shanklin said: “Potentially I think the unexpected days might have gone with France now as the core of the team seems to be pretty settled.

“I think the French will come out with a power game rather than the creative one we’ve seen with some of the tries they’ve scored, especially last time out against the Italians in Paris.

“They certainly look a lot keener to make aggressive tackles in defence and their line-speed has massively improved, which has clearly come from the input Shaun Edwards has had.

“I think the only weakness potentially that the French might have now is whether they can put it together for a full 80 minutes.”

The majority of the plaudits for France thus far have landed in the lap of Edwards, now overseeing French defensive operations after more than a decade as a cornerstone of Warren Gatland’s Wales regime.

Shanklin, who spent his final three years in a Welsh shirt under Edwards added: “In terms of coaches I’ve played under, I’d certainly say that Shaun is up there with the best.

“Despite not being a head coach, I don’t think I’ve been coached by anyone better and he’s certainly implemented his aggressive defensive style on the French team.”

Yet while Edwards and France have impressed, Shanklin is far from downcast about Welsh prospects.

“Wales can certainly still win the championship,” he said.

“If you go back to 2013 we lost the first game to Ireland, but went onto win the remaining four games to win the Six Nations. So anything’s possible.

“I think if we can deal with the French pack then we have a chance, because we were pretty out-muscled last time out against the Irish, especially in the first half.

“We’ve certainly got the temperament and the experience to win the game.

“Both sides are fairly evenly matched, so I think it’s going to be close but a lot of it comes down to having home advantage which we have so I think that’s going to be the difference.”