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Page last updated at 22:09 GMT, Saturday, 28 February 2009

We can beat world's best - Jones

France's players celebrates Cedric Heymans  Martyn Williams

Video highlights - France 21-16 Wales

Wales skipper Ryan Jones remains confident his side can beat the world's best despite their 21-16 loss to Six Nations rivals France.

"I've got no qualms in the whole world about how we play because... when we get it right we can beat any team in the world," said Jones.

"We didn't get it right (and as a result we came off second-best)."

Jones expects harsh words from Wales' management when the squad return to training on Wednesday.

"We'll come in, we'll be pretty frank and honest, and there'll be a lot of finger-pointing," said Jones.

Jones reflects on lost Paris weekend

"We'll take it on the chin. The measure of both individuals and this team will be the courage and the heart they show in defeat now. But one thing this team won't do is curl up and shy away from it."

Wales will attempt to get back to winning ways when they face Italy in Rome on 14 March, but Martyn Williams admits they made some uncharacteristic errors against France.

"We didn't quite turn the screw at the right time and finished sides off," said the back-rower.

"We let Scotland back in the game, we let England back in the game and France are probably a better side than those two teams.

"In Paris, you've really got to concentrate for 80 minutes, and I think that was our downfall.

Williams worries over selection

"It's uncharted territory for us to lose in the Six Nations under Warren and Shaun, so there'll be a few nervous players about, but it's how we react and I think we're strong enough characters to react positively.

"It's not a good thing to say, but I think defeat will make us a better side."

The veteran flanker said of France's exuberant celebrations: "Maybe it's an indication of how far we've come.

"We're not happy with losing and being gallant losers. We want to keep on winning. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but those are the strides we've made over the last 18 months."



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see also
Byrne backs Wales to bounce back
28 Feb 09 |  Welsh
France 21-16 Wales
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Wales paid for errors - Gatland
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Match ball hits overhead camera in Paris
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France v Wales photos
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Wales' rugby fixtures
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Wales rugby results archive
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BBC Sport Wales coverage
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