AS WALES attack coach you’d expect Rob Howley to be looking forward to seeing his three-quarters in full flight but instead it is the destructive ability of two top quality back rows that is whetting his appetite.

It promises to be an uncompromising battle between three burgeoning Welsh talents and a trio of seasoned French campaigners.

In the red corner is home skipper Sam Warburton along with Newport Gwent Dragons pair Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau.

In the blue corner visiting captain and IRB world player of the year Thierry Dusautoir who is joined by Julien Bonnaire and man mountain Imanol Harinordoquy.

“It will be one hell of a game between the 6,7 and 8s,” said Howley. “You have got six stars of world rugby.

“There are the ingredients of ball-carrying, decision-making, physicality at the breakdown, tackling, aerial skills, lineout skills. That battle within the game will be a joy to watch.”

It is a confrontation that will go a long way towards deciding which side is celebrating when referee Craig Joubert blows his whistle for the final time.

And Howley believes Wales keeping their cool will be key to providing a highlight to rival Gethin Jenkins’ chargedown or Kevin Morgan diving over against Ireland in 2005 or Martyn Williams breaking clear against France in 2008.

“Grand Slam games always have a defining moment,” said Howley. “It is about mastering that opportunity when it comes and showing composure.

“Scott Williams did that at Twickenham and George North did at the Aviva Stadium.

“Everyone has talked about our potent back line but I think that we have threats all over the park – Gethin would say he is one after charging down Ronan O’Gara (in 2005).

“It could be him again, or Ian Evans, or Sam Warburton. Whoever gets that opportunity has to grasp it. We need to be clinical.

“It’s also important that we go out and play without fear against a very good French side and that we show composure and are accurate under pressure.

“We back ourselves and in the last 15 minutes you expect this side to go on to win games.

“There will be a time when we have to dig in and this side finds a way to win. If they show the confidence and self-belief that they have so far in the tournament then hopefully that will be good enough.”