But the man who has led Wales into two World Cups, to a Grand Slam and captained the British & Irish Lions to a first series win in 16 years takes nothing for granted when it comes to Welsh selection.
“I never want to fall into the trap of becoming complacent. I said to Warren four or five years ago that my one problem with being captain is not thinking I’m going to play in every game,” admitted Warburton.
“He knows that, and I know that if I am under par and not the right man to start, Gats won’t pick me. I want to go into team meetings not knowing if I’m going to be starting for sure – I like to be treated the same as all the other players.
“I never regard myself as Wales’ captain between campaigns. I like that news to be broken so I feel I’ve earned it rather than it being a given.
“There are so many guys in the squad who could be captain – Jamie Roberts, Dan Biggar or Alun Wyn Jones, who would be a contender to captain the Lions if the tour was tomorrow.”
Warburton has led Wales in the opening two rounds of the 2016 championship and has been Gatland’s main man for the last five championships. But even though Wales are unbeaten to date, the skipper believes there is much more to come from both himself and his team.
“I am not as sharp as I was in the World Cup when I was match fit and getting games. Warren and the coaches know that,” said Warburton.
“I’ve been working on my fitness and I know I will be five or 10 per cent better each game. So there is definitely more to come.
“We have identified we need to get more turnovers. One thing which is difficult is referees are really hot on guys competing on the floor. I’ve been penalised twice with tough calls and it puts you off competing for the ball.
“But, if I’m picked, I’m going to go a lot harder on the floor than I have done in the past few games and go back to what I am really good at, what has worked in the last few years. I know I have to up that side of my game.”
Wales will be looking for a fifth win in a row against France, their best run since 1957, while Guy Noves’ new-look French side will arrive hoping to take a giant step towards a potential 10th Grand Slam. Wins over Italy and Ireland in Paris have set them up perfectly for their trip to the Welsh capital.
“We have a good recent record against France, but the games are always a tough set-piece battle, very physical and they have individuals with skill and ability. There is not a French team I have ever written off,” said Warburton.
