Six Nations: No distraction for Wales this time

Wales coach Graham Henry believes his team will be fully focused for Saturday's Six Nations trip to France even though it has been a month since they last played.

After being pegged back to a 28-28 draw by Scotland at Murrayfield, Wales' game against Ireland was called off because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

So the possibility of ring-rust may exist as Wales bid to repeat their Stade de France win of two years ago.

"This time, everyone feels that the game is going to take place on Saturday," said Henry.

"Before the Ireland game, there were rumours circulating about that match being called off, but that is not the case this time. Everyone expects to play."

The green light was given following talks between French Rugby Federation president Bernard Lapasset and the country's agriculture minister Jean Glavany last week.

Henry announced his line-up on Monday, and Cardiff full-back Rhys Williams' rollercoaster season continues.

Williams has regained the Wales full-back jersey from Llanelli's Stephen Jones, who drops down to the bench.

Williams answered a late SOS to replace the injured Jones in Scotland three weeks ago.

Although Jones was then recalled for the aborted Ireland Test, Williams has now won Henry's vote as Wales seek a second successive victory in Paris following their stunning 34-33 triumph in 1999.

It is the only change from the line-up originally selected to face Ireland.

"The French present a different set of problems from the Irish," Henry said.

"They are a counter-attacking side, and would want us to kick the ball back to them. With Rhys at full-back, we have the better option of running it back at them.

"He has had a run of games at club level, has regained much of his confidence and has the pace to get us into areas that will trouble the French."