Six Nations 2010: Wales defence must be at very best against France, says Neil Jenkins

By Brendan Gallagher Published: 11:37AM GMT twenty-six February 2010

Challenge: Wales contingency tie up their leaking counterclaim opposite the French Photo: AP

That is the summary from skills and kicking manager Neil Jenkins as Wales see to tie up in that vicious area.

Wales crop up to have left behind to their lax way, their defensive jot down being a far cry from their 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam campaign, when they conceded usually dual tries - scored by England behind Toby Flood and Italy column Martin Castrogiovanni - during the complete tournament.

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"We haven"t played as well as we would have favourite in the last integrate of games," pronounced Jenkins. "We have worked tough on the counterclaim and alternative aspects of the diversion that were not as great as we would have favourite opposite Scotland, and counterclaim was one of those.

"Our counterclaim will have to be at the really majority appropriate if we are going to win on Friday night. We wish to collect the power up, and we"ve got to do it opposite France or we will come unstuck. We usually did it in rags opposite England and Scotland."

France, desirous by their midfield powerhouse Mathieu Bastareaud, eased past Scotland and Ireland progressing this month to lift hopes of a initial Grand Slam debate given 2004.

They have additionally lost usually one of five prior Six Nations games in Cardiff, scoring 135 points, so Wales know they have their work cut out.

"I think France have been impressive," concurred Wales manager Warren Gatland. "They were clinical opposite Ireland, nonetheless I felt Ireland shot themselves in the feet a small bit.

"The yellow label (for column Cian Healy) was dear for them, they attempted to force the diversion a small bit as well majority and France were accurate. Ireland longed for a integrate of chances, so you see at that and it wasn"t as though I have come afar jolt in my boots, meditative that France are unbeatable.

"The key for us is starting well. France have got a little big, clever ball-carriers, and we have got to get in their faces and stop them. France similar to to have a bit of time on the ball, and they will take risks. They do have mistakes, and fortify is a key for us.

"I hold you need to be certain in the approach you play. As a coach, I similar to us to be intelligent and positive. I would similar to to think that Wales have been one of the majority interesting teams in the initial dual rounds of the Six Nations. We have attempted to fool around positively, and hopefully referees will prerogative us for that."