WALES are bracing themselves for a French backlash when they take the field in Saturday's Six Nations clash at the Stade de France.

Despite winning both their first two games in this year's campaign the French public have turned on their side for not playing with their usual flair.

But Wales captain Gareth Thomas, who plays his club rugby for Toulouse, has warned his international colleagues that France are eager to set the record straight and win in style on Saturday.

He said: "We have to be wary of this French side as they have received a lot of criticism and want to win in style. We are prepared for a French backlash.

"It's probably strange to be using the word backlash, especially when you consider that they have won two out of two games, including winning at Twickenham, but still the French public aren't happy because of the way their side has been playing.

"The players are keen to rectify that and we all know that you have to be on your mettle when you go to France. The coach is also under pressure and he'll want to win in style."

At the same time, Thomas knows that if Wales can keep the score down early on, then the French crowd will quickly turn on their side.

He said: "There is definitely a massive sense of dissatisfaction from the French public. They want to see attractive rugby and want to see flair and they are not getting that.

"We saw in the Scotland game how quickly they were to turn on their side and if we can do the same on Saturday that will be huge boost.

"Bernard Laporte might try to change things around and if they do that then that could suit us.

"We need a big opening 20 minutes as we try to do in every game but this is particularly important for us."

Newport Gwent Dragons wing Hal Luscombe was due to have a final fitness test today and was rated as 50-50 by the Welsh coaching staff. If he fails his test his place will go to fellow Dragon Kevin Morgan.