Les Bleus followed up their opening-day 39-3 win against Italy with a heroic 20-17 success over Ireland on an historic day at Croke Park a fortnight ago.

Wales, in the meantime, have lost their first two games, to Ireland and then Scotland.

The form book says France all the way - but they should be mindful of the last time Wales came to Paris.

In the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, the Welsh were in swashbuckling form at the Stade de France, stunning the hosts 24-18 on their way to a famous Grand Slam of their own.

'After two positive away games, this will be our first game in Paris,' said team manager Jo Maso. 'It is important to continue giving our best.

'But we mustn't forget that Wales beat us two years ago at the Stade de France, so we must be careful.'

France have made five changes to the side that beat Ireland, all of them coming in the forwards.

Nicolas Mas and Olivier Milloud have come in as props, while regulars Jerome Thion, a lock, and Julien Bonnaire, a flanker, are back to beef up the pack.

And with Sebastien Chabal injured, Elvis Vermeulen, who had a superb series of games in the autumn internationals, is chosen at number eight.

Wales will be desperate to chalk up their first win of the tournament, although current form suggests that would be a tough ask.

Coach Gareth Jenkins has made seven changes to the XV that started the 21-9 loss in Scotland.

That means there will be an all-new front row comprising Matthew Rees, Chris Horsman and Gethin Jenkins.

Shane Williams, so impressive in the defeat of the French two years ago, is back on the wing.