Wales out to avenge 2011 defeat to France

Stephen Jones says Wales’ 2011 World Cup semi-final defeat against France will produce “great fuel” for Sunday’s showdown in Oita.

Former Wales fly-half Jones went on as a second-half substitute eight years ago, missing a conversion as Wales suffered an agonising 9-8 defeat after skipper Sam Warburton had been controversially sent off.

This time around, Wales and France meet at the quarter-final stage, with Japan or South Africa awaiting the winners.

“It’s great fuel to drive you forward to achieve your goals, and that’s what that is,” Wales assistant coach Jones said.

“It was a tight game. Even when we were down to 14, we battled hard and it still could have gone either way.

“We had gathered a lot of momentum in that World Cup, and we were in a good place.

“It is unfortunate we lost the game and the manner in which we did.

“There were some wonderful experiences of that 2011 World Cup. Yes, it was disappointing. That’s sport.

“This is a different group of players. Some were involved that day, but the vast majority weren’t. You look at the recent games against France and the boys have had some good success.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is set to have a fully-fit squad to choose from, including centre Jonathan Davies, fly-half Dan Biggar and wing George North, who have all been recovering from knocks.

Jones added: “We are in a great position. The boys integrated back into training today.

“The medical team have done a fantastic job on our players.

Stephen Jones: “We are in a great position.”