Gethin Jenkins urges Wales to get pumped up against France

Friday 08 February 2013

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Rugby union: Gethin Jenkins called on Wales to get "pumped up" and blast out of the starting blocks tomorrow when they face France in a bid to stay in the Six Nations title race.

The reigning champions were left reeling by a first-half no show against Ireland last weekend as Brian O'Driscoll and company ran riot.

They cannot give any leeway in the Stade de France to a France side desperate to bounce back from a shock 23-18 defeat to Italy.

Toulon prop Jenkins admitted of last weekend's defeat: "We didn't have that edge you need in that first 20 minutes."

Wales skipper Sam Warburton has joined an injury list including Dan Lydiate, Rhys Priestland, Alun-Wyn Jones and Luke Charteris.

Ryan Jones, who captains his country for the 30th time, and Justin Tipuric pack down in a reshaped back row, while Richard Hibbard takes over from Matthew Rees.

Meanwhile Italy are seeking a result at Murrayfield against a Scotland side left reeling by defeat at Twickenham.

Asked who the underdogs were, Scotland forward Johnnie Beattie admitted: "Absolutely us.

"We have seen the level of performance that Italy have put together over the past few years."

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