The only change in the starting back line that turned on the style late-on in the game against Japan, the Ospreys wing has taken over from his regional teammate Llien Morgan to tackle the unbeaten French. At stake is a place in the top four to contest the ultimate prize at the tournament.
He knows exactly what is coming having played at centre in the final U20 Six Nations game earlier this year when the home side ran in 11 tries in a 67-17 humiliation.
“The last French game was embarrassing and simply not good enough from us. We probably went in a little bit under prepared and they were on fire,” said Florence, heading into his fourth game against the French in his third year in the wales U20 set-up.
“We are a different team coming into this game, and we’ve got a semi-final to play for. Our preparation has been a lot better, and we’ve got confidence.
“It would be a hell of a comeback from the disappointment of the Six Nations to beat France and qualify for the semi-finals. I know we’re all backing each other to do that, and we want to prove a point.
Tom Florence on the charge against Japan
The last meeting in Oyonnax saw Wales lose three players in the opening 15 minutes and the defeat made it a whitewash in the campaign for Ryan Woodman’s men. Yet since they’ve been in South Africa, they’ve displayed completely different characteristics, losing by a single point to New Zealand and beating the Japanese 41-19.
“We got a lot more out of the game against Japan by being under pressure for 60 minutes and then finding a way to win, rather than blowing them away. It was a good test for us.” added Florence.
A try-scorer in that game after coming on as a second half replacement, Florence will be waiting to pounce again if Wales can win enough ball against the gigantic French pack.
On paper it might appear a daunting task – France scored 11 tries against Japan in their first game and then beat New Zealand 35-14 to make it a maximum 10 points from 10 – but Mark Jones has got his players into a good place since taking over as head coach.
