By David Williams
Wales assistant coach Alex King has compared France captain Antoine Dupont with New Zealand superstar Dan Carter in terms of the way he influences Test matches.
Wales face France in Paris on Saturday, when a bonus-point victory for Les Bleus would maintain pressure on Guinness Six Nations leaders and title favourites Ireland.
And Wales’ acute degree of difficulty has not been helped by full-back Liam Williams missing out due to a shoulder injury.
Williams was hurt during the 29-17 victory over Italy, having earlier scored a superb solo try.
Hooker Scott Baldwin, meanwhile, is also unavailable for the Stade de France encounter because of a pectoral muscle issue. Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has been called into the squad.
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Wales have lost four on the bounce against France and Les Bleus underlined the brilliance of their all-court game in consigning England to a record Twickenham defeat.
“They are incredibly physical,” King added. “It was an area they won hands-down against England. I don’t think England had an area in the game where they could get a foothold.
“We are going to learn from that game. I am not going to give too much away in interview, but we will have a plan and it is up to us to get it right and execute it on Saturday.”
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is due to announce his starting line-up on Thursday and he has options in the full-back position as Williams’ replacement.
Wing Louis Rees-Zammit could be switched, having worn the number 15 shirt during the Autumn Nations Series earlier this season.
And Leigh Halfpenny, who started Wales’ 20-10 defeat against England at full-back last month, would also be firmly in the selection frame.
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