Wales centre Jamie Roberts has admitted that his side need to beat France in 12 days' time if they are to remain in the race to win the Six Nations this year.
Warren Gatland's side saw their hopes of claiming an unprecedented third straight Six Nations title take a blow when they were beaten 26-3 by Ireland yesterday - their heaviest defeat in the tournament for eight years.
Ireland and France have both won their opening two matches, but Roberts believes that Wales are still in with a chance of retaining the crown despite being forced to play catch-up.
"We must bounce back. The Six Nations is a tournament you can rectify pretty easily. We lost one game last year, but still won the championship," Roberts is quoted as saying by PA.
"We have to beat France, that's the next big target. Everything will go into that 80 minutes and there is no excuses from there on in. Ireland are two from two and they will be delighted, but it is a long tournament and there will be a lot of twists and turns, which is the beauty of the Six Nations.
"It's back to the drawing board. But don't worry, we will be hammer and tongs against France."
The defeat was the worst Six Nations loss for Wales under coach Gatland.
Barney Corkhill
