LOCK Ian Gough has hit back at what he calls the vicious criticism the Wales team have received after their heavy defeat in Ireland and their home draw against Italy in their last two Six Nations games.

Sections of the media have been joined by former players and armchair critics in condemning the Welsh players, accusing them of not even trying and looking as if they weren't interested and calling for heads to roll.

"Some of it has been vicious. Players have been victimised and a lot of it has been completely out of order," stormed Gough at yesterday's Welsh team announcement for the final Six Nations game against France.

"Even past internationals have been doing it when people like that should know better. It's all wrong, now is the time to get behind the boys and urge them to play the way Wales can.

"The team that won the Six Nations last season had two or three years to mould into their way, you can't just flick a switch on overnight.

"Everyone is doing his best, but little things go wrong and it's dismaying to hear people accuse us of not putting the effort in or not working hard. I'm not sure what would appease the pundits or the media. It's quite hard at the moment."

Gough, 29, wins his 30th cap on Saturday after making his debut in 1998 when Wales were thrashed by a record 96-13 in South Africa, so he's witnessed some pretty low times.

"I've seen it all, record defeats, Grannygate and coaches leaving, so it doesn't bother me as much. But it's still unbelievable the way it's all come about, it's so one-sided and it's hard to take because there's no sense or perspective."

Gough insists the team is still a tight unit and the barrage of criticism won't affect their performance against France.

"The boys have stuck together and the atmosphere is still superb," he said. "Everyone is showing the guts necessary to give an improved performance.

"It's going to be a massive game and it'll be hugely beneficial if we can finish on a high just like we did in the Autumn when we beat Australia.

"Playing against Fabien Pelous will be great, I've done it before against Toulouse and France. He's been around a long time, he's the captain and he's won Heineken Cups.

"He's tough in a tough pack when they turn up. But I enjoy playing against them, they're a mixture of aggression up front and finesse behind and to be involved in the game here is what you want."