The Stade Francais lock believes the champions’ heavy defeat in Ireland was simply a bad day at the office and he is preparing his side for a real battle.
“We expect the great Welsh team to turn up. They’ve had one victory and one defeat so far and we have to be warned about what to expect from them,” said Pape.
“The Millennium Stadium is the best stadium to play in – you couldn’t build a better one. They are unforgettable times when you play here and it is going to be unforgettable if we can win.
“We want to use this game to build our own history. Last year was dreadful for French rugby but we think this could be a big year for us.
“We are all looking forward to playing and it should be a fantastic atmosphere with the roof closed.
“One thing of which we are certain is that Wales will be ready. A rugby game is like a scrum – you might get one wrong, but that doesn’t mean every other one will be as bad.”
Pape leads a French side with a 100 per cent record so far in this campaign following home wins over England and Italy. He added: “We are determined to prove we are a good generation of French players. We want people to talk about this France team – we want to make an impression tomorrow and make history.”
While Pape and the rest of his forward pack will provide a physical challenge up front, France backs coach Patrice Lagisquet is braced for some heavy hits behind the scrum.
The former wing, known as the Bayonne Express, reckons Wales have the most physical back division in world rugby. George North starts at centre for the home side but Lagisquet isn’t worried about them targeting his young outside half Jules Plisson.
The 20-year-old is bound to be a target for the big Welsh back line but Lagisquet is backing his young pivot to come through.
“Wales have the most powerful back division in world rugby with players like Jamie Roberts, George North and Alex Cuthbert,” said Lagisquet.
“It is a very physical and very impressive line-up and we only have Mathieu Bastareaud. Jules Plisson is growing within the team and is remarkably mature for a 20-year-old. He has a brilliant kicking game, as he showed against Italy, and he is reliable in defence. He isn’t worried about defending in the 10 channel and his personality is growing with every game.
“Last year we played Wales after they had suffered a run of eight successive defeats but that didn’t stop them winning at Stade de France. We are expecting them to react to the defeat in Ireland.
“Warren Gatland was understandably unhappy with the performance in Dublin and has shown that by dropping some key players like Mike Phillips.
“But we are expecting a big reaction from Wales, especially in front of their own fans. You can hear in the words of every player and coach the word ‘fight’, so we know what to expect.”
For all the build up to tomorrow’s game between Wales and France, visit our live blog.
