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Edwards: Wales up for French test

Shaun Edwards says Wales will be up to the challenge of facing France in their RBS 6 Nations clash in Paris this weekend.

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Wales travel to the Stade de France after falling just short against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

Alex Cuthbert, Leigh Halfpenny and replacement prop Craig Mitchell all crossed for second half tries but it was Ireland who went home with a 22-30 win. 

France suffered an altogether more surprising defeat as they were beaten 23-18 by Italy in Rome on Sunday and Edwards knows Philippe Saint-André’s side will be desperate to bounce back.

“France are a pretty determined team and you expect them to be at their best at home,” said the Wales defence coach.

“They are obviously a big team, very physical and very powerful.

“They are very good on turnover ball and have good half backs. They are pretty much an all-round team and have huge numbers of players.

“They will be up for it on Saturday but so will we.” 

France are set to be without captain Pascal Papé this weekend after he was forced off in the defeat to Italy with a back problem. Toulouse wing and regular try scorer Vincent Clerc will also be absent while Wales could be boosted by the return of two key men from the Ospreys.

“We are a bit healthier than we were last week. Ryan Jones and Richard Hibbard should both be available,” Edwards added.

Despite the loss of Clerc and Papé, the former Wigan great says Wales will be expecting a tough test against Saint-André’s team.

“They are very, very strong and I’m sure someone of equal ability will come in,” he said.

“We need to go to France with our A game for the full 80 minutes.

“Every person in modern rugby has to be a leader. We have to come out and meet passion with passion.”

You can follow all of the action for France v Wales at http://www.wru.co.uk/live

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