Shaun Edwards is still upset at the way Wales lost on their last visit to France, but his anger is not centred on the extra time played or the 100th minute winner secured by the home side in extraordinary circumstances.
The Wales defence coach’s biggest concern is about the start Wales got off to in the French capital and he will have some strong words about that false star when the 2019 Six Nations squad comes together this week to prepare for the opening assignment at Stade de France.
“I watched the first 20 minutes of the 2017 game the other day and France were very dominant. They had quick ball after quick ball and it’s something I want the players to have a look at,” said Edwards.
“It will be like a whirlwind out there and we have to be more ready than we were two years ago. We were 10-0 down after 15 minutes and we can’t afford that this time.
“We have to match their intensity and hostility in the first 20 minutes. Ireland’s toughest game last year was in France and they won it with that memorable drop goal from Johnny Sexton.
“This year it will be equally intense for us. France bring size and power and they’ve got players like Wesley Fofana coming back into their squad – it’s one of the toughest fixtures in world rugby, particularly on a Friday night.”
Wales start their campaign with two away days as they head to Rome to meet Italy in Round 2. If they can win those two games they will equal a record that has lasted since 1910 by stringing together 11 victories in a row.
That would set-up the chance to go one better than the golden generation of the first decade of the last century by reaching a dozen wins. Edwards knows there is a lot to play for and can’t wait to get the players back together this week.
“It feels like a family coming back together for Christmas. We don’t always agree on everything and there is friction, but I think the players are looking forward to coming back together as a group,” said Edwards.
“We’re all focused on the same thing and we have a chance to make history. It’s not only the chance to win the Six Nations, it’s the chance to break Wales’ winning record which dates back 120 years, and hopefully we can use our strength of unity to achieve our goals.”
As well as having a fully fit Fofana back in the squad, head coach Jacques Brunel has also recalled Clermont Auvergne scrum half Morgan Parra. He is a player that Wales skills coach Neil Jenkins has long admired.
“It has always baffled me why Morgan Parra hasn’t been used more because he is so good for Clermont. On top of that, Wesley Fofana is back and they’ve got a lot of good players and a lot of strength in depth,” said Jenkins.
“As anyone will tell you, playing in France is incredibly tough and this is going to be a huge test for us. It is a brutally tough place to go and they are going to be waiting for us after losing at home to Fiji in the autumn.
“The French are very proud in defending their home grounds. It gave Ireland an incredible boost when Johnny Sexton kicked that last minute drop goal to snatch a win in Paris last season and that put them on the road to their Grand Slam.
“Let’s hope we can do something similar this season. Since the early eighties, when France we really dominant over us, there is only one defeat since the World Cup semi-final defeat in 2011.
“I thought we should have won in Paris two years ago, although I thought we were going to lose in Cardiff last year.”