WALES for the wooden spoon -- that is former France ace Philippe St Andre's dire prediction of the outcome of the Six Nations Championship which reaches its climax tomorrow.

It could even be scary for Wales if France hit form, warns the 69-times capped former wing who is now director of rugby at Sale, Guinness Premiership leaders.

If Italy kick the day off by beating Scotland in Rome and Wales follow up two hours later by losing to France, then last season's Grand Slam will be followed by the wooden spoon.

"France will be too strong and too well organised for Wales, and Italy can beat Scotland because they will be so confident after last week," said St Andre, who also warned Wales about taking the French on at their own game.

"France will be very focused and I think they will win because the Six Nations title is at stake. The first hour will be interesting, but Wales need to kick the ball well and not take high risks or they will be punished very heavily.

"Wales can play sexy rugby because they need to play well in front of their own supporters. But France will be favourites, they are getting better each time they play after losing against Scotland in their first game.

"So with France getting better and better it could be quite scary for Wales with the French team confident and on a high after beating England so well last week. Their confidence will be much higher than Wales."

St Andre is, however, well aware of all of Wales' injury problems and believes they will really miss scrum half Dwayne Peel.

"He's a fantastic player, the key to Wales' success last year and dangerous all the time," he said.

"Their captain is also out, as well as their centres from last year and some ball carriers up front, so it's a completely different team.

"They are missing players, but Wales still need to show something in Cardiff because they won the Grand Slam last year and it's only 18 months from the World Cup.

"They've got a good scrum and they need to play like they did in the first half against Italy when they created a lot but didn't finish.

"But the French defence is very good and though Jauzion has been out all season Fritz has come in and been one of the best players in the tournament.

"I just think France will be too strong and Italy will be desperate to end with a win and not be bottom of the table for a change. Scotland will need to show more flair in attack, but Italy will be confident of winning."

So though he wouldn't say it in so many words, St Andre believes it's wooden spoon time for Wales. And if he's asked to be Wales' next coach? "They have a coach and I'm focused on Sale finishing well, so I'm not thinking about it," he replied.