Warren Gatland’s men saw their hopes of a third successive RBS 6 Nations title hit with the 26-3 defeat in Dublin – Wales’ first Championship reversal since their loss to the same opposition in last season’s tournament opener.
Tries from Chris Henry and replacement Paddy Jackson, combined with the boot of British & Irish Lion Jonny Sexton, saw Wales on the wrong side of the result. But Newport Gwent Dragons skipper Coombs says the side are more than capable of bouncing back when they face France a week on Friday.
“We’re a strong outfit, we haven’t lost many games in the Six Nations over the last few years,” he said.
“In sport you’re always going to have bad days, it’s the same as any other job, but hopefully we can turn things around against France.
“In last year’s Six Nations we started poorly against Ireland but the boys went out and redeemed themselves and put right what happened the week before. It’s important we get the chance to play again and do the jersey justice.
“Everybody’s hurting and I think that’s a good thing – we let ourselves down at the weekend and we need to be positive moving forward.
“We need to throw everything at France now. We’re still the same side who beat England last year – we need to get that form back and play well on the day.”
Coombs returned to the Wales starting XV at the Aviva Stadium, partnering Alun Wyn Jones at lock. The 29-year-old former Newport man admits he was delighted to begin the game and is targeting another starting spot against the French in 10 days’ time.
“It was lovely to be back in the starting side, we were just disappointed with how the game went,” he said.
“It was a bit similar to the Ireland game last year. We were under a bit of pressure in that one but we came back in the second half – this time we were obviously unable to do that.
“Ireland played very well and we didn’t – if that happens, you’re always going to be under pressure.”
Wales have returned to training this week with Ospreys duo Ashley Beck and Dan Baker called up as part of the squad’s preparations. Ten players, including Sam Warburton, Gethin Jenkins and Dan Biggar, will be available to play for their regions in the RaboDirect PRO12 this weekend.
Coombs will stay with the Wales squad though, ahead of next Friday’s meeting with Philippe Saint-Andre’s side.
“It’s a personal thing, there are guys who feel like they need the rugby and others who are sore today – you have to manage yourself and if you’re good to play, then away you go,” Coombs added.
“Personally, I need to rest up and hopefully get ready to be selected for the France game.
“France are looking strong. They have some pretty good counter attackers in their team and they’re going to be dangerous. We beat France last year – it was a close encounter and George (North) scored in the corner to win us the match.
“But we’ll take on whatever team they are going to put out.”
