French coach Laporte urges players to take the pressure

FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte has challenged his players to handle the pressure as they look to secure the RBS 6 Nations Championship title against Wales, at the Millennium Stadium, on Saturday.

Les Bleus top the standings on points difference, over Ireland, and victory against Wales in Cardiff would hand them their third title in five years - unless the Irish rack up a cricket score against England, at Twickenham.

Laporte’s men are still not entirely convincing in this year’s tournament, despite their lofty position in the standings. Even in their 31-6 win against England, in Paris last Sunday, France were solid rather than spectacular and seemed content to capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes.