Steve Hansen's side have yet to win a match in this year's championship, but have never lost at the Stade de France.

"The French team cannot afford another defeat," Ibanez said. "We had a great reaction against Italy but what annoys me is that we always seem to react and not act.

"We have to be more consistant in the continuity of our results. The Welsh are far from lost and desperate. I am expecting a hard battle on Saturday."

Hooker Ibanez also revealed that the 2003 RBS 6 Nations championship maybe his last.

The 30-year-old Castres player, who has over 60 caps with Les Bleus, had already hinted after their 53-27 thrashing of Italy that he may hang up his boots after this year's World Cup in Australia.

"I have not made a definite decision about it all but at the moment I am not projecting myself after the World Cup," he said.

"I don't know whether I will have enough energy to continue. I am asking myself the question, that is true, but I have not decided yet. I will see."