He said Wales will have to be at their best to take on and beat a France side packed with world class players. Phillips believes the tournament momentum Wales have already achieved will help to deliver another top draw performance at the weekend.
Phillips said: “I have got massive respect for France because they are capable of being amazing as they have great individuals in their line up.
“We are going to have to be strong at the weekend because they are undoubtedly a great side. It’s going to be a great game because although we lost to them in the Six Nations this weekend is different.
“We have got momentum and although it is going to be a tough game we are entering it with real momentum. The dream of reaching a World Cup final is really close but at the same time it is a million miles away.
“France are going to take some stopping but it depends whether or not we can repeat the level of performance we have shown we are capable of.”
He praised the Welsh supporters for helping Wales and said they lift his teammates during every match. “It is good to know the support is there back home and the players are really grateful to the fans.
“They are always special and the boys love performing in front of that kind of encouragement. We also have a great coach in Warren Gatland and the backroom staff have all been superb on this tour. I just hope now we can carry on playing the way we have been and hopefully secure a win.”
Wales are now achieving real impact in the New Zealand media where their performances so far have been achieved under the radar of media attention.
Today the Wales media conference attracted 14 broadcast camera crews and more than 75 journalists who wanted to know how preparations are going.
The team is now based in Auckland where they will take on France at Eden Park on Saturday. The first Wales training session in Auckland took place at the stadium where the Warriors rugby league team play.
The players say Wales are planning to continue with their normal build up pattern to help them stay focused on the weekend encounter.
