Despite victories over Romania, Canada and Fiji in the autumn, Wales have lost their last five games - against a shadow New Zealand side and all four matches in this season's RBS 6 Nations.

Now the Kiwi coach has turned to his flair players Iestyn Harris and Dwayne Peel in a bid to play the French at their own game at the Stade de France.

"We played well last weekend against Ireland and we intend to go to France to play some good rugby in the Paris sunshine," said Hansen, who has made four changes in all to the side beaten 25-24 by the Irish.

Harris and Peel come in for Tom Shanklin and Gareth Cooper respectively, with injuries to Jonathan Humphreys and Mark Jones forcing Hansen to make two further alterations - Mefin Davies will take over the hooking duties, and Cardiff wing Craig Morgan steps in for the injured Llanelli wing Jones.

"We want to play with the ball and take the game as wide as we can whenever we can," added Hansen.

"Personally I am looking forward to the challenge, and I know the players will be too because this is what international rugby is all about.

"The French are a great side, probably one of the favourites for the World Cup.

"But we were close last weekend against the Irish - and if we can reproduce that level of performance then who knows what might happen?"