Wales are on the up as Jones commits
WITH all the focus on Ireland’s Grand Slam bid against England, attention has shifted away from Wales.
But with a second-placed finish within their grasp and Warren Gatland’s side boosted by captain Alun Wyn Jones re-signing his National Dual Contract, Wales take on France today confident there is much more to come.
Jones has extended his deal with the Ospreys and Wales in the run-up to the 2019 World Cup.
Jones is one of his team’s most important figures and his renegotiation shows Wales are looking at the bigger picture.
“We’re disappointed not to be vying for the championship but there have been pleasing points in the performances,” said Jones.
“We’re nowhere near the finished article but you never want to be. You want to have something left in the tank and we’re in a good place moving forward.
“The new contract has been a long process, but a formality. There are bigger things to focus on this week and that’s the game. If we win against France we’ll finish second – that’s the target.”
Jones returns after being rested against Italy, while Dan Biggar is named at fly-half as Gatland continues to search for his best side.
France are captained by the hulking Mathieu Bastareaud with hooker Guilhem Guirado absent, and their threat is obvious. The battle will be decided up front.
“If you look at their narrow loss to Ireland, that was a stand-out performance, it was testament to how far they’ve come,” said Jones of the French.
“There have obviously been a lot of changes but a French side home or away are very dangerous.
“If France get a roll on with the specimens they have up front, it’s going to be a tough day.”
WALES: Halfpenny; North, S Williams, Parkes, L Williams; Biggar, A Davies; R Evans, Owens, Francis, Hill, Jones (capt), Tipuric, Navidi, Faletau.
Replacements: Dee, Smith, Lee, B Davies, Shingler, A Davies, Anscombe, S Evans.
FRANCE: Fall; Fickou, Bastareaud (capt), Doumayrou, Grosso; Trinh-Duc, Machenaud; Poirot, Pelissie, Gomes Sa, Gabrillagues, Vahaamahina, Lauret, Camara, Tauleigne.
Replacements: Chat, Priso, Slimani, Le Roux, Babillot, Couilloud, Beauxis, Palis.