Wales on verge of another Grand Slam

CARDIFF, Wales -- Wales are looking for their second Grand Slam in four years when they meet France in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Welsh have a 100 percent record but could still be thwarted if the French beat them by at least 20 points.

Confidence is high but top form winger Shane Williams, thinks it will be anything but easy to see off France.

"They are a very good side," he said. "They've been changing throughout the tournament, but they're one of the best teams in the world on their current form.

"We'll have to play at our very best for the full 80 minutes to win the game.

"We had a massive team performance against Ireland to win the Triple Crown last weekend. We're playing well as both individuals and as a team.

"The game at the weekend is the biggest of them all, to win the Grand Slam. A massive effort is needed, but I'm sure we're more than capable of winning."

Warren Gatland's side have conceded only two tries in their four games to date, a testament to the effective blitz defense and tenacious spirit instilled by assistant coach Shaun Edwards.

France coach Marc Lievremont has recalled his big names, making six changes to the starting line-up that defeated Italy 25-13 in Paris last Sunday.

There were recalls for outstanding Toulouse winger Vincent Clerc and Biarritz center Damien Traille while the half-backs are remodeled around the experienced Toulouse scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Stade Francais fly-half David Skrela.

Julien Bonnaire is back at No 8 with World Cup standout Thierry Dusautoir alongside him at flanker.

"It's an excellent team with more experience due to the context of the match and what is at stake," said Lievremont.

Backs coach Emile Ntamack said the team expected a tough battle at Millennium Stadium, where France have won their last six matches, including last year's World Cup quarterfinal defeat of New Zealand.

"We are taking on the best team in the tournament in front of it own public and with a Grand Slam in their sights. It will be difficult and that is excellent for us," he said.

Wales have picked James Hook at outside-half with Stephen Jones dropped to the bench after a shaky display in Dublin.

The only other change to the team that beat Ireland 16-12 at Croke Park is at hooker where Huw Bennett returns after influenza.

"We have momentum which is what this tournament is all about but you can never underestimate the French," Gatland said, adding: "We have an historic opportunity and we intend to grasp it with both hands."

England head coach Brian Ashton does not face the sack after the team's disappointing Six Nations campaign, RFU's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew said on Friday.

Andrew said there would be no "kneejerk reaction" and a change in leadership before the two internationals against New Zealand in June is "not something I would consider at this point".

Ashton's position has looked shaky during England's erratic performances in the Six Nations but Andrew pointed out to The Times newspaper:"We have the least experienced side in the tournament..

"There was huge expectation because we reached the World Cup final four months ago, then a lot of experience left the side after that but there is plenty of confidence about where the English game is going.

"We're working hard to produce better young players to play for England in the future. The building process for 2011 (when the next World Cup is played) is under way." E-mail to a friend