The French top the table ahead of Ireland, who face England at Twickenham, thanks to a positive points difference of 58.

Should both France and Ireland win at the weekend, Eddie O'Sullivan's men would have to beat England by 29 points more than Les Bleus post against Wales to snatch the title.

That leaves France, the pre-tournament favourites, in pole position despite failing to hit top gear yet this tournament.

But after bouncing back from a shock opening defeat to Scotland with consecutive wins over Ireland, Italy and England the confidence is flowing.

''We are not pretentious but no-one has scored 43 points against Ireland,'' said head coach Bernard Laporte.

''We have lost one but we have realised our mistakes and that is good for future.

''If we win against Wales, we win the tournament so our players' motivation is real.

''It is all about us now. As long as we are on top form, we don't have to think about our opponent.''

Laporte made just one change from the record-equalling 31-6 victory over England, with Bourgoin's Julien Bonnaire to start in place of veteran loose-forward Olivier Magne.

Despite that confidence, Laporte has steeled his men to expect a Welsh backlash as the out-going champions attempt to snatch something from a difficult season marked by the departure of head coach Mike Ruddock.

While France can win the title on Saturday, Wales could end up with wooden spoon.

Injuries have wrecked their season and Wales finish the championship without 11 key players, including six of last summer's British & Irish Lions.

''I think we have done well to put out a team we think is competitive despite all the injuries - I don't think too many nations could have done that,'' said caretaker boss Scott Johnson.

''Suffering injuries is just part and parcel a year after a Lions tour and I'm just beginning to work out what a Lions tour does to a nation.''

Flanker Colin Charvis, who did not tour with the Lions, has been dropped following the draw with Italy in favour of the in-form Alix Popham, who starts at number eight with captain Michael Owen shifting to the blind-side flank.

Michael Phillips makes his first RBS 6 Nations start in place of injured scrum-half Dwayne Peel (shoulder) and Dafydd James replaces Mark Jones (knee) on the wing.