Six Nations 2024: Recalled Wales lock Will Rowlands targets physical France test

Lock Will Rowlands says Wales will relish “going toe-to-toe” with a juggernaut French pack in Sunday’s Six Nations clash.

The 32-year-old makes his first start of the tournament with captain Dafydd Jenkins switching to flanker.

“We’ve got a big team up-front, so bring it on,” said Rowlands.

After three defeats so far in the tournament, Wales head coach Warren Gatland has made changes to the pack that lost 31-7 against Ireland in Dublin.

Rowlands has been handed a first start of the tournament after being on the bench for defeats against England and Ireland.

Jenkins moves to blindside flanker – a position he has never previously filled for club or country – and hooker Ryan Elias returns instead of Elliot Dee.

“The physical side of it is something I think we will be looking forward to going toe-to-toe with,” said Rowlands.

“They have got a big team, but I think you’ve seen in the last few years that French rugby is about much more than just a physical threat.

“Rugby is much easier if you can get some go-forward. It’s a self-fulfilling circle.

“It is something we are working on. We are trying to bring our best game to allow us to have physically-dominant moments.”

France, without captain Antoine Dupont who has been away on Sevens duty before the Olympics, have dropped off last year’s standards, losing comprehensively at home to title favourites Ireland before scraping a draw with Italy after narrowly beating Scotland.

Coach Fabien Galthie is expected to make wholesale changes, with absentees including suspended centre Jonathan Danty and injured fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, but fit-again skipper Gregory Alldritt is back.

And while Les Bleus have claimed four successive Six Nations victories over Wales, no-one knows if they will suddenly find top gear this weekend or continue to struggle.

“They are a team rammed full of quality,” said Rowlands.

“If they get it right, there is no reason why we won’t see a French performance like we have seen in the last six months this weekend.”

And Rowlands says he is enjoying his time playing out in France with Racing 92.

“Playing club rugby there is an absolute joy,” said Rowlands.

“One of the things I have to say that has been enjoyable for me to experience is how much passion there is for rugby in France.

“Wherever you go, the people are mad for it, and that is reflected when you see how much it means to the players when they play for their clubs and country.

“Everyone talks about the bit of a myth, which is the glitz and glamour of the Racing Galacticos, but I don’t think that is the case.

“There are some high-profile players, but there are also a lot of local French young guys who have a lot of talent. It is an exciting place to be.

“From a rugby point of view, I feel like playing in the French league for Racing has meant I’ve already had to develop parts of my game.

“Going forward it will make me a much better player, so I would argue hopefully I will be a better player for Wales as a result.”