WALES' Pontypool-based prop Iestyn Thomas issues a defiant message ahead of tomorrow's crucial Six Nations clash with France at the Millennium Stadium.

The Llanelli Scarlets and former Ebbw Vale loose head specialist insists Wales will get it right against the French after the fall from grace in Ireland a fortnight ago.

"We didn't deliver the goods as a pack against Ireland," admitted Thomas. "It was gutting to concede a score early on. They had a very good driving line-out and we seemed to go a bit wayward.

"We tried to stop them, but they still came through, though it wasn't for a lack of effort on our part.

"It was devastating that we lost, but we've got to put it behind us, we can't dwell on it, we must pick ourselves up.

"We have worked on the problems and we hope to put it right on Sunday. France come on to you all day, especially if they smell a weakness. You have just got to stand up to them and meet fire with fire.

"We have got to set our stall out early. We're experienced enough now to go out and dictate the game, there's no reason why we can't do that. "No one wants to perform again like we did last time, which will be a huge motivational factor against France.

"We're going out there to do the best we can and hopefully we'll pull it off." Thomas, who wins his 30th cap tomorrow, insists this Welsh team can be a great one despite the drubbing of Dublin.

"I think we're coming together and can still be a great team, we have that potential," he said.

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