Close encounter predicted as Wales and France battle it out for bragging rights
>> CARDIFF: Runners-up spot is up for grabs when Wales host France in today’s Six Nations finale, with both teams hyped to bring their mixed tournament efforts to a happy ending.
Wales, on 11 points, are currently second behind already-crowned champions Ireland, who play England for the Grand Slam.
France are in fourth on 10 points, with England in third on a better points differential.
A bonus-point win for Wales would ensure second spot behind the Irish, something not lost on coach Warren Gatland.
“For us, it is important this weekend that we play well at home, get a win and finish second in the table,” Gatland said.
“The exciting thing about the championship at the moment is how close it is and how many teams think they are capable of winning it.
“If you look at the championship over the last couple of years, there have been two significant away wins, one was England against Wales in Cardiff last year and the other one the opening game when Ireland beat France in Paris.
“That is the difference between winning the championship and finishing third or fourth.”
Gatland recalled captain Alun Wyn Jones in one of seven changes to the team that beat winless Italy 38-14.
“We have picked a team and a squad we believe can deliver this weekend against France,” the Kiwi coach said, with Scarlets front rowers Rob Evans and Ken Owens and flanker Josh Navidi also coming back into the pack.
France coach Jacques Brunel made just three changes to the side that held on to beat England 22-16 last week.
“Quiet force” Mathieu Bastareaud will captain France after Guilhem Guirado was ruled out with a knee injury, the latter’s hooking spot taken by Adrien Pelissie.
Cedate Gomes Sa takes the place of Rabah Slimani at tighthead prop, while Gael Fickou starts on the right wing, Benjamin Fall moving to full-back in place of injured Hugo Bonneval, who failed a head injury assessment.
“Of course it’s a game that can change everything,” said Brunel, who sidelined eight players after a controversial alcohol-fuelled drinking session following an opening defeat in Scotland.
“We know the context of the championship. We said that our ambition was to match the best. Up until now we’re not that far off but we know that the result will have a bearing on our search for consistency. The result will either legitimise our ambition or put the brakes on it.”