Wales have tasted the sweet smell of success on three previous occasions at Stade de France but after France’s shock defeat to Italy last weekend Howley is expecting Les Bleus to throw the kitchen sink at Matthew Rees’s men.
“We have to be disciplined and bold in Paris – we have to play,” said Wales assistant coach and backs specialist Howley. “It is a huge game for both sides, us in terms of the championship and France because they will be hugely disappointed with their defeat against Italy last weekend.
“France allow you to play, and the tackle area will be as crucial as ever. We have to take the opportunity to play, and it will be about taking chances.
“We want to keep the ball in hand, but it is about confidence. It is about making decisions at the right moment, whether to kick, run or pass.
“We are going there to win. We have won three on the bounce, we know France’s strengths and they will want to come out and play the best game of their lives. We have to be ready for that.”
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