British & Irish Lion Sam Warburton insists he and Wales won’t wilt under pressure at the Stade de France as he prepares to captain his country for a record-equalling 33rd time.
Warren Gatland’s side recovered from defeat to England by beating Scotland at BT Murrayfield two weeks ago, and must keep up that form in France.
And after it is all said and done Warburton will share a record with former Lion Ryan Jones, who also skippered his country 33 times.
Fellow 2013 tourists such as Jamie Roberts, Alun Wyn Jones and Leigh Halfpenny will join Warburton on the pitch on Saturday – and he says he relishes nothing more than a high-stakes game.
"I love playing under pressure," said Warburton.
"I would much rather have a game like this one against France. It is a must-win game.There is a lot more tension on the training ground, but it's a good energy.
"It's a really enjoyable Test week to be involved in to have a top team like France coming up at the weekend. It's a massive challenge.
"It will be an awesome game. I've only played 15 or 20 minutes out in France because I got injured four years ago, and two years ago I missed it because of a nerve problem in my shoulder.
"So I am really looking forward to it because I've never had a good hit-out in Paris."
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