ALUN Wyn Jones admits that Wales are uncertain of what awaits them in Paris on Saturday evening but knows one thing is assured – they will get a brutal welcome from France’s tight five.

Only one side will emerge from the encounter at the Stade de France (kick-off 5pm) with their Six Nations title hopes alive.

And if Warren Gatland’s men are to be the ones toasting success then they will need to stand firm against France’s heavyweights.

The French were downed 18-11 by Ireland in round two but came on strong in the closing stages, aided by their wealth of talent on the bench.

Jones, who has lost both of his previous trips to Paris, knows that Wales must stop the juggernauts getting on the front foot.

“France can feel a world away but it’s only across a little stretch of water,” said the 29-year-old. “You go out there not knowing necessarily what you are going to get, things change but the beautiful thing about the French is that they are French.

“They have the capacity to turn it on and if they do they are dangerous. If you get out of the blocks and stay there you will be in good fettle against them while if you are in a tussle and they go up a gear it’s hard to match them.”

And Wales will have to be on their game to live with Phillippe Saint-Andre’s side in the tight.

Their scrum and lineout has creaked against England and Scotland and a dramatic improvement will be needed against France’s imposing forwards.

“It’s never easy and French club sides are notorious for driving maul and set piece dominance. They take great pride in that and you can see that from the campaign so far,” said Jones.

“They’ve lost Pascal Pape (who has been banned for 10 weeks for kneeing Ireland’s Jamie Heaslip) and he’s difficult to play against but they are going to bring in Romain Taofifenua so they’re not going to get any smaller!”