THE feared French forwards are not as formidable as they are cracked up to be, Newport Gwent Dragons forwards coach Leigh Jones has informed the Welsh camp this week.

France have won their opening two Six Nations Championship games, not by traditional free flowing rugby but through their powerful pack.

That has sent out warning signals to Wales as they plot their course through the foul weather to try to halt France's Grand Slam bid in snowy Paris on Saturday.

Jones was drafted in by Wales coach and fellow Gwent Valleys man Mike Ruddock to specifically watch the French forwards and help bring about their downfall.

He presented his dossier to the Welsh team, and the Dragons man revealed there are cracks just below the surface. And he believes if they can be exploited Wales possess the back who can capitalise and lead them to glory.

"The French have gone for more power than their traditional flair and they are relying very heavily on their forwards to gain supremacy," said Jones.

"I'm not sure whether they are unhappy with that approach or with the transition of changing because things don't appear to be happening as they would like.

"It's all about an extra 1% at this level and analysing their forward play highlighted a few areas Wales can expose.

"The line-out is a big area in international rugby. They defend line-outs in a certain manner which Wales can exploit to get quick ball and use the backs to expose holes in their defensive patterns.

"The scrum is an obvious area of concern which we think could be exposed, they are not as dominant as they have been there.

"The French still have a very strong pack, but you look for weaknesses within, it's about dividing and conquering.

"There are Welsh players in France who are aware the public and the media are unhappy, so if Wales get a good start the crowd could get at them, so look for a big first 20 minutes.

"The big worry is France could click, and we all know when they are on song they are one of the best teams in the world, but there is so much confidence and self belief in the Welsh team that it could be very close.

"The gap has closed now between the two countries which speaks volumes for what the Welsh coaches have done."