Six Nations: Wales ‘a wounded animal’

By ANDREW BALDOCK
Published on 06/02/2013 01:18

Wales assistant coach Mark Jones has described the reigning RBS Six Nations champions as a “wounded animal” as they build towards Saturday’s appointment with France in Paris.

Wales assistant coach Mark Jones has described the reigning RBS Six Nations champions as a “wounded animal” as they build towards Saturday’s appointment with France in Paris.

Wales’ hopes of retaining the Six Nations title were diminished by last weekend’s 30-22 home defeat against Ireland.

If they lose to Les Bleus at Stade de France, then all realistic hopes of silverware will disappear, given that, barring a draw, Ireland or England – who meet in Dublin on Sunday – will be four points above them with three games left. Wales have only suffered two defeats at the start of a Six Nations campaign on three previous occasions, and each season they failed to secure a top-four finish.

“A lot has been made this week of France losing to Italy as the worst possible result for us,” attack specialist Jones said.

“I would like to think the worst result was us, the defending champions of the Six Nations, losing at home to Ireland. When we get our game right, we are very formidable. We are the wounded animal this weekend.”

Wales’ interim head coach Rob Howley is due to announce his team for Paris tomorrow.