Adam Jones believes Wales predicament is 'definitely fixable'

Wales were beaten 30-22 at home to Ireland at the weekend

Adam Jones believes Wales' current predicament is “definitely fixable” as they begin preparations for next weekend's RBS 6 Nations mission against France in Paris.

The reigning Six Nations champions will head there on the back of a 30-22 home defeat against Ireland, although Les Bleus are also reeling following a shock 23-18 loss to Italy in Rome.

Wales have won only three times in the French capital since 1975, and this time they travel after suffering eight successive losses.

Their last victory against another Test-playing country came almost 11 months ago when they beat France to clinch the Six Nations title in Grand Slam fashion.

"It's about playing more sensibly," said 84 times-capped Ospreys prop Jones. "Things are definitely fixable.

"People have been coming out after the past eight games and saying we do this in training and we do that in training, but you can be the best trainers in the world. If you don't do it on the field, you are are going to come off second-best.

"France? In Paris? It's not going to be easy, is it?

"I wouldn't say we are lacking confidence going out there, though you guys (the media) probably think we will be. The Grand Slam and Triple Crown are out of reach for us now, so we may as well go out there and try to play as much rugby as we can.

"Everyone is disappointed, but what's good about this group is there are a lot of young boys in it and everyone is keen to improve and do well in the next game. That's all you can ask for.

"There is no point crying over this now. We have to work hard in training and go out to Paris without fear.

"We know how hard it is going to be out there. We just have to play a bit smarter and play to our strengths a bit more."

Hooker Matthew Rees has no doubt the Wales squad will "stay tight" in their quest to avoid this season's Six Nations campaign unravelling with indecent haste.

"As players, we are the ones who have got to react. We've been there before and done it (won in Paris)," Rees said.

"Confidence has been hit by this (Ireland) result, but when we look back at the video, and especially the second-half with the chances we created, as long as we can create those opportunities and finish them there is no reason why we can't go out to France and get a result.

"We proved how good a team we can be, and we have got to stay tight. I am sure this team will."

Wales' interim head coach Rob Howley is due to name his team for France next Thursday, with the likes of Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Paul James and Richard Hibbard all likely to be in contention for call-ups.

PA

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