Evans ready for French test as Wales chase second spot

Wales prop Rob Evans is ready for the “big challenge” that awaits against France in today’s Natwest Six Nations finale at the Principality Stadium.

Victoryforevansandcompany in Cardiff should be enough to finish second behind runaway champions Ireland.

And that runners-up spot has occupied Welsh minds this week as Warren Gatland’s men look to complete a clean sweep of Six Nations home wins this season.

“It is a huge game for us,” said Scarlets forward Evans, pictured. “We are just looking to put in a big performance to end the campaign.

“There is always something to prove. France always have a good pack and a big set-piece, but we pride ourselves on our own set-piece and it is a big challenge for us.

“They are renowned for their scrum. When you look at their league, it is all based around their scrums and driving mauls. They’ve got some big old boys over there.

“We will look to put pressure on their lineout and hopefully deliver a strong scrummaging display. It is a game we want to win, and if we do that there is a good chance we will finish second.”

Wales began the tournament with an impressive bonuspoint win against Scotland, but successive losses to England and Ireland derailed their title hopes, before they claimed another comfortable victory by dismissing Italy. France have not won in Cardiff since 2010, and Les Bleus will encounter a Wales side containing seven changes from last weekend, including returning players like captain Alun Wyn Jones, standoff Dan Biggar and full-back Leigh Halfpenny. If Wales are to triumph, then putting the brakes on France skipper and midfield powerhouse Mathieu Bastareaud will be key.

Bastareaud was in dominant form against England, and his threat is not lost on either Evans or Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies.

“He is a big old boy and has been brilliant for France,” Evans said. “He is like a hero over there.”

Davies added: “Shaun Edwards [Wales defence coach] has been getting into us all week – our line-speed has to be massive. We have got to cut his space down and not give him much time on the ball.”