Wales are leading the way in the Championship and already have one hand on the Six Nations trophy.
They face Les Bleus at a sold-out Millennium Stadium in two day’s time and can complete a third Championship clean-sweep in eight seasons.
Now Mike Ruddock, who in 2005 guided Wales to their first Grand Slam in 27-years, is confident Warren Gatland’s men can repeat the feat.
“I am expecting Wales to win because they are more than capable of being the best team in the tournament,” said Ruddock, the Ireland Under-20’s coach.
“Everyone has been very impressed with Wales. All the youngsters who came through during the World Cup have kicked on and the other thing that has impressed people is the physical size of the Welsh backs.
“That is a talking point over here in Ireland and people have been very impressed with what Warren has down with his squad.
“Wales started the Six Nations without Alun Wyn Jones, Matthew Rees and Gethin Jenkins, who weren’t fit, and Shane Williams had retired and there was some work to do.
“But the guys who came in responded superbly.”
France broke Welsh hearts at the World Cup with an agonising 9-8 victory at the semi-final stage after Sam Warburton was controversially red-carded.
But Ruddock believes Les Bleus have gone backwards since the global gathering in New Zealand.
“I don’t think this is a particularly good French team,” added Ruddock.
“They have got some of their own troubles in the way they are playing. Even with some divisions in the camp last year, they got to a World Cup final, but this season they appear all at sea. I really don’t see France getting anywhere near Wales on the day.”
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