When Jenks and Howley tamed French

Mar 13 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, South Wales Echo

IF the Wales class of 2008 want to know the secret behind ending their 12-year home hoodoo against France they should look no further than two of their current coaches.

Kicking coach Neil Jenkins scored 11 points and converted the only try from Rob Howley as Wales clinched a 16-15 victory at the old National Stadium and avoided a Five Nations whitewash.

It was a magical dart from Howley down the left-hand touchline that laid the foundations for the victory, although the former Wales skipper admitted he was unaware it was their last victory over Les Bleus at home.

“I did not know that and I am surprised that was the last time we beat France in Cardiff,” said Howley.

“What I remember from when we played France they were usually entertaining games with a lot of points, but on that day it was a tight affair.”

Since then Wales have failed to defeat France on five occasions while hosting Les Bleus in the Five and Six Nations competitions, and losing seven of the eight games when the Principality have been the home nation.

And after current French coach Marc Lievremont picked his strongest side of the Six Nations tournament to come to Wales on Saturday, Howley issued a stark warning to his players.

“I think this is the acid test for us and they have quality all over the park,” said Howley.

“You only have to look at their first 15-minutes against Italy. I think they are a very good side and to leave someone out like Aurelien Rougerie they must have some back three.

“They have also got a tried and tested midfield partnership in Traille and Jauzion.

“Their physicality and stature allows them to have a very good offloading game. We have worked hard to negate that attacking strategy and we have to make sure we are successful in our first-up tackling.