After some strong performances by French teams in the Investec Champions Cup this season, and with Antoine Dupont back to skipper the side having missed the 2024 championship, the home side are being viewed as favourites.
However, Wales will go into the game at Stade de France excited about the challenge.
“The players are well aware of the task ahead of them and that they’re up against it. We want to go out there and play some good rugby,” said Gatland
“We want to do some things that France won’t be expecting us to do. We’ve talked about being really positive in terms of the way we play against them, creating opportunities to attack them as well.
“We know how good they are as a side but if we can go out there on the day and be accurate and disciplined, then we’ve got a good chance to be in the game.
“We’ve spoken about the fact that ironically, there is probably more pressure and expectation on them. There is an expectation from their fans who will be expecting their team to throw the ball around and score tries.
“From experience, teams can try a bit too much early on and throw the ball around and that can give you opportunities. Looking back at last year’s game we were in front at the hour mark before their bench came on and made a massive impact.”
Cardiff Rugby hooker Evans Lloyd and Scarlets tight head Henry Thomas will make their first starts for Wales in a side that welcomes back two British & Irish Lions Test stars in Josh Adams on the wing and Liam Williams at full back.
With Dewi Lake and Ryan Elias ruled out through injury, 23-year-old Lloyd gets his chance and Gatland is backing him.
“The set-piece is going to be key area. They’ve got some big players and we’ve got to get a platform to work off. Defensively we need to shut down their offloading game, which they tend to thrive on and come alive from,” added Gatland.
“I know Evan hasn’t had a lot of starts but he’s definitely a player of the future. He’s a big man and we know how good he is around the field.
“Yes, he’s got some learning to do from his set piece stuff, but I think giving him a start will give him some confidence. We’ve got a couple of players that have a lot of experience in France around him in Henry Thomas and Will Rowlands.
“We’ve got quite a big, physical forward pack as well and they’ve got a couple of injuries and have had to move a back rower into the second row. “It’s just a case of us getting around Evan and showing him we have confidence and belief in him.
