The major talking points ahead of Wales' Six Nations trip to France

Wales in pursuit of a perfect 10

Momentum counts for an awful lot in any tournament, and the Six Nations is no exception. Wales are currently on a roll, unbeaten for nine matches since Ireland toppled them in Dublin at the midway point of last season's competition. They have seen off South Africa (twice), Argentina (twice), France, Australia, Scotland, Italy and Tonga during that run, including a first autumn Tests clean sweep, while France lost eight games last year.

Wales used to dishing out French lessons

Wales beat France at Parc des Princes in 1975 – and then went 24 years before defeating them again on French soil. But since the Six Nations' inception 19 years ago, it has been a far more even tale of the tape. Of the nine Six Nations encounters played between the countries in France, Wales have won four and Les Blues five. Of the last seven matches home and away, though, Wales hold a 6-1 advantage, which is a statistic that should not be discounted.

Warren Gatland farewell factor

If Wales reach the World Cup final in Japan later this year, then Gatland's last chapter as head coach will cover 16 Tests in 2019. He departs the job he has held since late 2007 after rugby union's next global extravaganza, so this season's Six Nations will be his final one at the helm. Two of his coaching lieutenants – Rob Howley and Shaun Edwards – are also departing, representing a significant changing of the guard. Gatland's players will be determined to make the long goodbye a memorable one.

What can be expected from France?

Since winning the title and a Grand Slam in 2010, France have only twice secured a top-three Six Nations finish. Form from earlier this season – notably autumn Test defeats at home to South Africa and Fiji – suggests another struggle, yet Les Bleus still have huge talent in their squad, which is underlined by players like Louis Picamoles, Wesley Fofana and Maxime Medard, plus bright young stars such as Romain Ntamack and Demba Bamba. Consistently inconsistent has become Les Bleus' trademark.

What is the likely outcome?

A Wales win. In keeping with recent history between the countries, it is likely to be an arm-wrestle of a contest and possibly low scoring, but Gatland's men are unbeaten since February and look to have a pack that will stand up, slug it out and potentially overcome the French forwards despite Les Bleus' eight weighing in at just over a combined 150 stones. It should underpin an opening victory on the road and underline genuine title prospects.

ga('create', 'UA-72310761-1', 'auto', {'name': 'pacontentapi'});
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'referrer', location.origin);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension1', 'By Andrew Baldock, Press Association Sport Rugby Union Correspondent');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension2', '2ef02fa0-db58-4e4c-b07f-e6da976ada1d');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension3', 'paservice:sport,paservice:sport:uk,paservice:sport:world');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension6', 'story');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension7', 'composite');
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension8', null);
ga('pacontentapi.set', 'dimension9', 'sport:rugby-union');
ga('pacontentapi.send', 'pageview', { 'location': location.href, 'page': (location.pathname + location.search + location.hash), 'title': 'The major talking points ahead of Wales\u2019 Six Nations trip to France'});