Six Nations 2014: Cuthbert calls on Wales character against France

Wing Alex Cuthbert says Wales can show their championship credentials by beating France in Cardiff in their next Six Nations game.

The defending champions, chasing a third successive title, suffered a 26-3 defeat in Ireland on Saturday.

But Wales would put themselves back in contention by beating Les Bleus.

"We have got two weeks to prepare for France, and that game is going to really show our character and how we bounce back as a squad," Cuthbert said.

"Fair play to Ireland. From minute one, they turned up and were ruthless in what they did.

"Last year, it was a game of two halves (against Ireland). We kept going up and up in the second half, but on this occasion we couldn't click as a team."

Ireland were hugely impressive as they set about Wales from the kick-off, dominating their visitors at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

"I haven't had many of these losses," admitted Cuthbert.

"I've had losses from last-minute kicks and stuff, but this is completely different when you haven't been in charge of the game from minute one.

"Maybe a couple of 50-50s didn't go our way, but we weren't at the races and they were from minute one to minute 80. We couldn't get into the game."

Ireland top the table after their win over Warren Gatland's Wales and another handsome 28-6 victory over Scotland - also in Dublin - in the opening round of the championship.

France are also unbeaten so far, edging England with a late try in the first round and then seeing off a limited Italy on Sunday.

Those France wins came on home soil, as did Ireland's triumphs against Scotland and Wales.

Wales can console themselves that they will be back at Millennium Stadium for the visit of France a week on Friday, but Cuthbert is expecting some hard work on the training ground until then.

"It is going to feel like a long week this week. We have got a lot of things to get, right but we've got a lot of time to get them right, which is good," added the Cardiff Blues and British and Irish Lions wing.

"Physically, we are in peak shape, I think it is more mentally."