Betsen laughs off Jones ‘cheat’ claims ahead of France revenge mission

Serge Betsen laughed off Wyn Jones’ claim that France will “cheat” in the Six Nations showdown on Saturday and urged Les Bleus to keep their discipline on a revenge mission in Cardiff.

Wales prop Jones fanned the flames this week by stating that the defending champions know France will “hit and chase and cheat” in the scrum.

France head coach Fabien Galthie accused Wales of a “lack of respect towards our scrum, towards our team, towards French rugby, towards our nation”, while manager Raphael Ibanez described Jones’ barbs as a “blatant, childish attack”.

Betsen says joint-leaders Les Bleus are best advised to let their rugby do the talking when they bid to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.

Asked about Jones’ comments, the former France flanker told Omnisport: “That made me laugh, because it is an attempt to create disruption and get into the head of your opponents.

“Communication is a key aspect of the game, but I believe none of the French players responded to that. My view is better to be quiet and play at your best than start talking about things that are not the truth.

“Saying that, we are not really in the press outside of France because we are not speaking, we are not talking a lot about what we are doing, and we talk after the game.”

To get you in the mood for the weekend…here are all the tries from Round Two. #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/SZ4d7lVvGK

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 20, 2020

A moment of madness from Sebastien Vahaamahina cost France dearly the last time the two nations met in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Oita Stadium in October.

Les Bleus were leading 19-10 at half-time and looked to be heading into the last four before lock Vahaamahina was dismissed for elbowing Aaron Wainwright, with Wales going on to win 20-19.

While a host of players who will feature at the Principality Stadium were not involved in that painful encounter, Betsen says it should make them even more eager to give Wales a taste of their own medicine.

“I think that red card gave them a lot of experience of high level. It is a great opportunity for all those players who felt that frustration of losing,” he added.

“It will be very challenging for France, it is a young side, with players who have not experienced playing in Cardiff.

“At the highest level it is all about keeping your nerve, maintain your discipline.”

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