WALES' form in the Autumn internationals followed up by their first victory over England in Cardiff for 12 years and a six-try win against Italy in Rome is earning them a respect in the game that they haven't enjoyed for some years.

Nowhere is that more apparent in France, says a Welsh player who ought to know as he lives there now. Outside half Stephen Jones uprooted from West Wales and a steady life with Llanelli for a new career in the Michelin town of Montferrand in the middle of France last summer.

He has made a real success of the move, enjoying the French way of life and he has settled with Clermont Auvergne, guiding them from a relegation spot towards mid-table in the highly competitive French Championship.

In his most recent game he kicked six penalties in the 21-6 triumph over Perpignan, and in the middle of the Six Nations so the French team are certainly not complaining about lack of value for money.

"The French do respect us now. Our match against Italy was shown on TV out there and they like the style we're playing with, they tell me they enjoy watching us and our style," said Jones.

"But the public are disappointed they haven't seen France play with flair and the game associated with them. They're playing quite a structured game now, as they showed when they beat England at Twickenham."

Though France are winning, beating Scotland and England in the Six Nations after a hiding at the hands of the All Blacks, they are not endearing themselves to the French public because of a lack of adventure by their standards. "They got the result against England though their performance was not typical of the French style.

To win their first two Six Nations games and find the public are not happy is amazing," said Jones. "The start will be very important. We're quite strong mentally now and we've got to plan our game, keep the ball and go through the phases and all should go well for us.

"We certainly believe if we go there and do our thing we've got a chance. Some of our players have won there before, too, and they definitely respect us.

"We're playing in a great style which France are associated with. It hasn't happened for them in their first two games, which is interesting.

"I play against many of their players week in, week out so I know a bit more about them whereas it was previously only from TV, so that takes away the unknown."

Jones has become the 'Mr Dependable' of the Welsh team and he's now using his French connection to help his teammates.

"It's going to be a very difficult challenge. They have been heavily criticised in France, so they will look to prove a point," he warned.