Warburton relishing Wales pressure

Sam Warburton says he relishes the type of pressure that will accompany Wales in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash against France.

Wales' hopes of landing a third Six Nations title in four years were severely dented by losing at home to England three weeks ago.

The recovery process began, though, by defeating Scotland last time out, with Warburton and company arriving in Paris chasing a fourth successive victory over Les Bleus.

But if they fail to accomplish it, then the quest for Six Nations silverware will effectively become a three-way battle between England, Ireland and France.

"I love playing under pressure," said Warburton, who equals Ryan Jones' Wales record this weekend by captaining his country for a 33rd time.

"I would much rather have a game like this one against France. It is a must-win game.

"There is a lot more tension on the training ground, but it's a good energy.

"It's a really enjoyable Test week to be involved in to have a top team like France coming up at the weekend. It's a massive challenge.

"It will be an awesome game. I've only played 15-20 minutes out in France because I got injured four years ago, and two years ago I missed it because of a nerve problem in my shoulder.

"So I am really looking forward to it because I've never had a good hit-out in Paris."

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made five changes for Wales' visit, with powerhouse centre Mathieu Bastareaud surprisingly relegated to the bench. Lock Pascal Pape, meanwhile, is suspended and there are recalls for players like scrum-half Morgan Parra and full-back Brice Dulin.

But Warburton added: "They always have a big pack, and there is a big emphasis on scrum and set-piece. It's pretty much the same in most international games.

"I don't think France have played much rugb, but I think it could change against us. It wouldn't surprise me if they went wide and we have to be prepared for a few different game-plans.

"There are going to be stages in the game, I think, where they will go from deep and counter-attack, and there will be times where they will tighten it right up with driving lineouts.

"That's why it is quite difficult to play against France - you are never quite sure what's going to happen."

Warburton has already reached one notable milestone during this season's Six Nations tournament, winning his 50th cap against England, and he now moves level with Jones, who skippered Wales when they won in Paris two years ago.

"It has sort of crept up on me quite quickly," said Warburton, who was only handed the Wales leadership reins in June 2011.

"It was never a motivation. I was always focused as a young player to be able to play for Wales. That has always been the important thing for me.

"My real focus now is trying to make sure we win on Saturday, which is so important. Anything else that comes we will enjoy at the end of the Six Nations."