Ospreys prop backs clubmates

Jones, who joined the Ospreys from Neath when they were formed in 2003, will line up alongside regional team-mates Huw Bennett and Paul James for the Cardiff showdown.

The trio will be packing down together for the first time in the Six Nations after injury ruled out two players who starred with Jones on the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.

Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees and Blues prop Gethin Jenkins had formed an all-Welsh front row when the Lions faced the Springboks last summer but both Rees and Jenkins will play no part in the Round 3 encounter against the table-topping French.

Jones knows better than most the quality of both Jenkins and Rees but he insists his two Ospreys team-mates will be more than able replacements.

"We've played together for the region for the last seven years and that will give us confidence," said Jones, who himself missed the autumn internationals with a shoulder injury.

"We know exactly what to expect from the French forwards but we will try and get in their faces. We will back ourselves.

"I believe we have one of the most under-rated players in Europe in Paul and Friday night will be a chance for him to show how good he is."