France must be treated with the utmost respect. They have played two, won two - regardless of how well they have played.

Wales have a semi-decent record in Paris over the last eight years and it will need another step up, even from the Italy performance, next weekend.

To score six tries away from home was a tremendous achievement, and now we need to build on that display.

Bernard Laporte seems to be something of a Claudio Ranieri at the moment - tinkering with his side. Whether that is for long-term gain or just a Saturday-to-Saturday thing, Im not sure.

Ironically, though, they seem to have a stronger team for the tinkering.

Yannick Jauzion and Serge Betsen - who Wales will be hoping does not recover from a thigh injury - are formidable characters and, with Imanol Harinordoquy back, the French are starting to find their best XV.

They still have issues at half-back, but they are Grand Slam winners and will probably be looking ahead to the 2007 World Cup on home soil too.

Laporte will have seen Wales wins against England and Italy, and know the French can expect a tough game.

It will be important for Wales to maintain their discipline, given how Dimitri Yachvili performed with the boot against England last weekend.

But conceding too many penalties is not something Wales usually have a problem with - we dont hang on to the ball in the tackle area for very long.

With their performances in the opening two matches, five or six Welsh players have put themselves in contention for the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand.

Heading into the tournament, Gareth Thomas, Martyn Williams and Colin Charvis would all have been fancying their chances of being in the tour party.

Gavin Henson, Dwayne Peel and Gethin Jenkins have all caught the eye against England and Italy, and have pushed their claims too.

It will be a big test for Henson in Paris, when he will be up against two proven international centres in Jauzion and Damien Traille.

But thats a good way for him to measure his progress, which is what Wales will be doing.
All in all, its so far so good for Wales campaign and, although there are tougher obstacles ahead, we head to Paris with great anticipation and full of confidence.