Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged his side to "get in France's faces" when they take on the Six Nations leaders at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.
Marc Lievremont's men will look to complete the third leg of a grand slam against a Wales side who, for all their attacking potential, have so far conceded 54 points and five tries in two matches, losing to England and beating Scotland.
But only an astonishing 17 point spree in four frantic final minutes against the Scots turned defeat into a 31-24 victory.
France, bidding for a first slam since 2004, have been in fine form with midfield dynamo Mathieu Bastareaud leading the way, and showed their class with a crushing 33-10 win over defending grand slam champions Ireland last time out in Paris.
"I think France have been impressive," Gatland said Thursday.
"They were clinical against Ireland." However, the New Zealander added: "Ireland missed a couple of chances, so you look at that and it wasn't as though I have come away shaking in my boots, thinking that France are unbeatable."
But the former Ireland and Wasps coach knows it would be tempting fate once too often for Wales to give France the kind of head start they allowed Scotland and still expect to beat 'Les Bleus'.
"The key for us is starting well. France have got some big strong ball-carriers, and we have got to get in their faces and stop them.
"France like to have a bit of time on the ball, and they will take risks. They do make mistakes, and discipline is a key for us."
Wales will also need to tighten up their defence and stop the kind of errors that saw Scotland flanker John Barclay score an early try after a combined missed tackle from James Hook and Gareth Cooper.
However, an upbeat Gatland said it was vital Wales maintained their self-belief and stayed true to the enterprising approach that two years ago saw them win the grand slam.
"I believe you need to be positive in the way you play," he said.
"We know we need to improve on our performance against Scotland.
We know we will create chances, but we need to work hard in defence and improve in that area, as well as concentrate on maintaining discipline.
"Then we need to be clinical, take our points and build in attack. If we can do those things, we know we are in with a chance."
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