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Jones says Wales need grit and determination to beat France in Saturday's 6 Nations clash

Ryan Jones is optimistic ahead of Wales's clash with France
Article | | By Dafydd Pritchard
Ryan Jones in action against Ireland
Photo: Huw Evans Agency

Ryan Jones has called on his Wales team-mates to recapture the spirit of 2005 as they face France on Saturday.

Wales's stirring 24-18 win at the Stade de France helped them win the Grand Slam six years ago, and they will travel to Paris this weekend still with a chance of winning the Six Nations Championship.

Wales have been boosted by the returns of prop Adam Jones and winger George North from injury, who could both make their first appearances for Wales this year.

And the Ospreys' number eight Jones, who won his 50th cap during last Saturday's win against Ireland, has spelled out how his countrymen can succeed in Paris again.

"We need to play on the edge," said Jones. "France are going to come at us at 100 miles an hour, so we need to put our bodies on the line."

Jones catapulted himself into the international spotlight with a string of barnstorming performances during Wales's 2005 Grand Slam triumph.

And the 30-year-old says Warren Gatland's class of 2011 must replicate their 2005 form to prosper at the Stade de France.

"We'll need grit, determination and belief," said Jones. "We'll need our fair share of the ball and it's important we keep a high tempo.

"My main memory from 2005 was seeing Nugget [Martyn Williams] taking a quick-tap penalty in the corner and thinking, 'what the hell are you doing'!"

Williams's decision was vindicated, as he bundled past France captain Fabien Pelous to score his second try which set Wales on their way to a famous victory.

Wales of course then went on to win the Grand Slam, but such glory is beyond them this year.

They could still win the Six Nations Championship with a win in Paris coupled with a heavy defeat for England against Ireland, though Gatland's chances of securing a second title for Wales are slim.

Wales's cause will be helped by the return of British Lion Adam Jones, who has recovered from an elbow injury.

"It will be tough but if I'm selected I'll just have to get on with it," said prop Jones. "I'm not expecting to dominate them [France] at the set-piece but I'm confident in my own ability."

Gatland had voiced concerns about Jones's fitness and weight, but the shaggy-haired Osprey had no such worries.

"I'm the same size as I was in the autumn," said Jones. "I've been watching what I eat. Just the same as what they tell you to do at Weight Watchers!

"Thoughts of the Championship are on the back burner. Going to France in the situation they're in with all the turmoil in the squad will be tough. But we're confident and looking forward to it."

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