PREVIEW: Wales vs France

Mike Phillips key to a Welsh victory

Surprising the little faith in this Welsh team. Sure, in the world of rugby, France are seen as the bigger team but perhaps a little known fact is the Dragons actually have the edge at 44 victories to Les Bleus 43. Some are still expecting the French to fire. Many think they already have. I don't see 25mins in the opening period vs England as being enough to get you through a world cup semi. The French have the last 3 on the trot & the bigger game temperament...but there's something bout this Welsh team that gives the impression they have no demons and are up for any opponent. 

As with any game at this stage you expect the battle to start up front. France's Nicolas Mas is a reknown scrummager, but the Welsh tight 5 as a whole are up for this. The scrum battle is going to be shared. What the Scarlet pack will try to do is play their uptempo game combined with ferocity & relentless energy at the ruck. We saw it vs the Boks, we saw it vs the Irish, and we will see it on Saturday. At the lineout the Welsh will contest early, a couple of wins against the throw to get into the Frenchmen's heads? In the loose Dusautoir makes his usual tackle count but is off the pace with the carrying game, maybe a result of a French pack that hasn't been physical enough over the 80. Harinordoquy is the one player will match it up front but I get the feeling he's going to be a lone crusader.

Behind the pack Yashvili is under a cloud. If he doesn't take any knocks he'll be fine but it's not easy to hide at this level. Opposite Mike Phillips must be the biggest 9 in the international game & he will put the heat on, running quick ruck ball. The Welsh may have lost their young 1st5, Priestland, but with Hook & Jones they have 2 more pivots with very similar games, confident & more than happy to take the ball to the line. Outside is a nominee for player of the tournament, Jamie Roberts (alongside fellow 2nd 5 Ma'a Nonu). Roberts has been a freight train with ball in hand and there will be no let up for the French. With Parra starting at 10 for Le Bleus expect the 2nd channel to be tested time & again. Rougerie & Davies will be a good match up, a good chance for the young Welsh centre to test himself against one of the games best. Unfortunately for Rougerie, not a lot of front foot ball won't make it easy for him. North will be looking to do some damage using his size vs some of his smaller match ups and expect all the Welsh backs to make some good yardage.

Seriously I can't agree with anyone that backs the French here. Wales have shown they are up for anyone & with another repeat performance from their pack, taking the ball over the advantage line, Phillips carrying it on, Hook taking it to the line, Roberts basically looking to give anyone concussion that steps in his path...it's going to be a long day at the office for the French backs. The opening will be a real dingdong, probably even some flare-ups but I've seen nothing to suggest an 80minute performance from the French pack. With the quick front foot ball the Welsh backs are going to get I can't give France a look-in.

I know it's a world cup semi but...Wales by 15.