Jones spearheads Wales' plan to wear out France

(Getty Images)

Is it possible to spring forward from a dead rubber? Wales believe it is and, regardless of what comes to pass in Dublin, Warren Gatland's men will be desperate to multiply their momentum in this evening's encounter in Paris.

Still, in a nation of dreamers there will be mutterings this morning about Wales denying England the Championship. Yet the Dragonhood's dear neighbours are rated as a 1-750 chance, a realistic assessment when one considers the points difference between the top two is 42.

Gatland hasn't given it up, saying: "We are still in with a shot of a title." In truth, he was merely emphasising that after the doom and gloom of the opening defeat to England, Wales have bounced back so commendably that second place is now theirs for the taking – and that's because France are there for taking.

To risk stereotyping, they never have been the best when forced into a corner. And in the last week, the walls have closed in ominously as the defeat to Italy sinks in. It is already written in Gallic folklore that the coach, Marc Lièvremont, accused his team of "betrayal" and of "being cowardly" and many believe it is only a matter of time before Lièvremont, himself, enters the history books. He may have retracted his remarks and his much-changed squad may have backed him in public, but there are plainly cracks. Some of the selections in this campaign have been baffling, while those such as Morgan Parra have openly challenged the game plan and coaching techniques.

Little wonder, therefore that Gatland was willing to declare that he has the plan to earn Wales their first win at the Stade de France since the incredible come-from-behind Grand Slam heroics six years ago. "We want to ask some questions about the French forwards in terms of their fitness levels," said Gatland, with trademark diplomacy. "If we can keep the ball in play for over 40 minutes – the last couple of games have been over 40 minutes of ball in play – we just think the French may struggle a little bit up front."

Anyone who saw the collapse against the Azzurri would understand his thinking, although, as ever, it may not pay to second-guess the French. While Gatland eyes the impetus a fourth successive win will hand his troops with the World Cup looming, Lièvremont is aware that only a triumph will be tolerated. He will be relieved Shane Williams is missing with injury but Lièvremont should beware the 18-year-old replacement. George North showed his potential in the autumn series and, on his Six Nations debut, has the perfect opportunity to prove there is life after Shane.

Yet it will be the return of an experienced campaigner which may bear the most influence. It promises to be brutal up front and in the set piece and Wales will content themselves with the thought their Lion Adam Jones is back. "Craig Mitchell [who dislocated a shoulder] did a great job, but Adam is one of the best tight heads in the world," said Gatland.

The Kiwi will fancy his pack to gain at least parity and then, in behind, the good form of James Hook will inspire further hope. In some eyes he kicked the ball away too much against Ireland last Saturday, but few can deny the control he displayed in the frantic final stages. Despite the loss of Williams there is a settled look to this Welsh back line and the sight of Hook finally seeming so comfortable in the position he has long craved only adds to the belief they will win in Paris for the third time this century. Hook, however, may feel edgy in one sense as he will be lining up against a few players he will be lining up with when he joins Perpignan at the end of the season.

"It will be a bit strange playing against future team-mates," said Hook.