Matthew Rees believes France will attempt to "bully" and "irritate" Wales in today's RBS 6 Nations title and grand slam match.

Even though France cannot win either prize – the result of a home draw and defeat against Ireland and England, respectively – they could spoil Wales' Millennium Stadium party.

History is also on Les Bleus' side, the French having won five previous Six Nations Tests and lost only one – the last time Wales were crowned grand slam champions, in Cardiff four years ago.

"The pressure is on us, we are at home and France will probably want to come here and spoil the party," said former Wales captain and current hooker Rees, who wins his 50th cap. "We have to make sure we deliver on the day. The changes France have made up-front, they are definitely going to try to come here and bully us. That is one thing we have got to be mindful of.

"One team that tries to bully you is South Africa but, as far as I am concerned, whenever we have played at home I don't think there is any team that has come out on top. As a pack, we've got plenty of experience and hunger there. We are relishing the challenge."

Victory for Wales would not only confirm them as European champions, it would also underline the consistency coach Warren Gatland is striving for five months after securing a World Cup semi-final place in New Zealand.

Seven of this weekend's starting line-up are aged 24 or under and Rees, who made his comeback from injury against Italy six days ago, is enthused by what Wales could go on to achieve.

They face a three-Test summer tour to Australia, while their Millennium Stadium opponents next November include World Cup holders New Zealand.

"You can't underestimate how big the World Cup was for us as a nation, and after it we were always going to be favourites to win this Six Nations," Rees said. "In the past, we have always come in as underdogs, but I think this group of players have taken us to the next level.

"Our fitness has gone to another level, which has been great for us in terms of the way we want to play the game, because we are coming through strong at the end of games.

"We have got a lot of young boys in the team who are going to be around a lot longer than the senior guys. The important thing now is we don't get carried away and keep on building."

For Rees, if Wales match the achievement of the 1970s golden era teams by capturing three grand slams in eight seasons, it would represent a triumphant return from the lows of last year when a neck injury meant he missed the World Cup.

"To get the 50th cap is a great achievement," he said. "We are at home, going for the grand slam in front of a full house. You couldn't ask for a better game to be involved in."

If Philippe Saint-Andre, the France coach, is to be believed, Wales have the grand slam in the bag."Wales have been playing super rugby since the World Cup," said Saint-Andre. "They are very confident and the big favourites for the grand slam. I've been very disappointed with our last couple of games.

"We have been in control of possession and territory, but one interception against Ireland and two turnovers against England left us with a draw and a defeat.

"I am unhappy because it's not enough, but there is no pressure on us, the pressure is all on Wales. It is more important for Wales to win than France," Saint-Andre added.

Saint-Andre, meanwhile, distanced himself over any furore behind France's request for the Millennium Stadium roof to be open.

Gatland would prefer the roof to be closed, especially given rain is forecast, but both sides have to be in agreement for that to happen.

Gatland struggled to contain his frustration when asked about it, but Saint-Andre somewhat bizarrely claimed an open roof request was to do with the reception required for a new GPS tracking system to monitor players.

"No matter whether it is raining or sunny, it's just a rugby match," said the coach.