Warburton Loving pressure of ‘Must Win’ France game

Wales Captain Sam Warburton is relishing in the pressure of Wales’ must win game on the weekend against France.

Warren Gatland’s men will keep their title challenge alive if they can secure their fourth straight win over Les Bleus.

George North’s late try in Paris kickstarted their successful championship assault two seasons ago. And Warburton, who will equal Ryan Jones’ record of 33 caps as captain at the Stade de France, says his troops solely focused on their Stade de France mission.

He said: “I love having pressure to play against, I much rather playing in must-win games like this compared to playing a tier three or four nation at home where you are expected to win by 50 points. It’s much more exciting, there is a lot more tension on the training ground, but it’s a good energy.

“These test weeks are much more enjoyable, it’s really exciting to have a game like this – away to a top team – at the end of the week. It’s a massive challenge but we it’s one we really enjoy playing with.”

France return home after an 18-11 defeat to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium last weekend whereas Wales overcame Scotland 26-23 to claim their first win of the campaign. And Warburton is expecting another physical battle against a France pack with a combined weight of almost 900 kilograms.

He said: “I’m expecting the same as always from France. They have a big pack with a big emphasis on the set-piece. I don’t think France have played a whole lot of rugby yet but I wouldn’t be surprised if they changed all that against us.

They may well go wide and use Bastareud as a decoy runner, and we’ve got to be prepared for a few different game-plans. There is going to be stages where they will go from deep and counter attack and times when they tighten up and use their driving lineout.

“That’s what makes it difficult to play against France, we’re not 100 percent sure what will happen, a lot depends on their half-back pairing and front-five selection. It will be an awesome game.”

Credit: WRU