Ruddock has announced a side showing two changes from that which crushed Italy 38-9 last time out.

Kevin Morgan takes over from his injured Newport-Gwent Dragons colleague Hal Luscombe on the right wing while Neath-Swansea Ospreys forward Ryan Jones is preferred at blindside flanker to Jonathan Thomas.

Thomas, a try-scorer in Rome, drops down to the bench instead of Ian Gough, and Cardiff back Rhys Williams is also among the substitutes, replacing Morgan.

Luscombe is sidelined by a hamstring problem sustained during the Italy game, but the experienced and in-form Morgan was already pushing hard for a start at Stade de France.

Wales have beaten France on two of their last three visits to Paris, and another victory this time around would keep them firmly on course for a first Five or Six Nations title triumph since 1994.

Graham Henry (former Wales coach) said a couple of years ago that we should 'be bold when going to France, and he was proved right, Ruddock said.

That is a great way to approach the game, and something we will further endorse with the players this week.

Ruddock is under no illusions about the size of his teams task.

France have picked an incredibly strong team - a very powerful pack and an exceptional back line, he said.

The new cap at full-back has a massive reputation for attacking rugby, and with the return of Rougerie and Jauzion, it looks like they have picked a back line to attack.

Wales team to play France in the RBS 6 Nations Championship in Paris on Saturday.

G Thomas (Toulouse, capt); K Morgan (Newport-Gwent), T Shanklin (Cardiff), G Henson (Neath-Swansea), S Williams (Neath-Swansea); S Jones (Clermont Auvergne), D Peel (Llanelli); G Jenkins (Cardiff), M Davies (Gloucester), A Jones (Neath-Swansea), B Cockbain (Neath-Swansea), R Sidoli (Cardiff), R Jones (Neath-Swansea), M Williams (Cardiff), M Owen (Newport-Gwent).

Replacements: R McBryde (Llanelli), J Yapp (Cardiff), J Thomas (Neath-Swansea), R Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff), G Cooper (Newport-Gwent), C Sweeney (Newport-Gwent), R Williams (Cardiff).