Wales Must be Bold

Stand-in Wales captain, Ryan Jones, has issued a rallying call ahead of Saturday's do-or-die clash with France in Paris, stating his team must be bold as they aim to keep their Six Nations dream alive.

Wales dominated their European rivals last year on their way to a third Grand Slam in eight years. Jones played a role in all three triumphs and was part of the squad that cruelly missed a place in the 2011 World Cup final.

Wales were forced to play much of their semi-final against France with 14 men after influential skipper Sam Warburton was sent off. They battled gamely but ultimately fell to an agonising 9-8 defeat.

This weekend will see Wales meet rugby odds favourites, France, in a repeat of that dramatic World Cup match. They will once again have to do without Warburton, who was ruled out of the clash at the Stade de France with a shoulder injury.

Jones will captain his country for a record 30th time and has the task of lifting a side that has endured a horror run since winning the 2012 Six Nations.

Wales have lost their last eight Tests, the latest defeat coming at home to Ireland last Saturday. Their title bid is in danger ahead of their trip to France.

Jones is one of three survivors from Wales' last away win over Les Bleus in 2005. He will call on all of his experience as he bids to drive his team to glory.

"Paris is a wonderful place to go - it's a great rugby arena. There is nothing quite like playing France in Paris. It's loud, it's noisy," said the Ospreys flanker.

"Something we have tried to instil in the guys this week is to look forward to it, be bold and let's have a real good crack."

Fans betting Six Nations should be aware that Wales are 12/1 for the title in the betting Six Nations, compared to France at 7/1.