Six Nations 2014: Wales players should not 'feel safe' - Warburton

Captain Sam Warburton says he and his team-mates should never "feel safe" about holding on to their Wales places.

The flanker's statement came in response to coach Warren Gatland warning that some players face their "last chance" against France in the Six Nations on Friday.

The recent defeat by Ireland has already prompted Gatland to drop scrum-half Mike Phillips after 82 caps.

"I don't think anybody should feel safe in a Welsh jersey," said Warburton.

Gatland has spoken to his front-row and highlighted blindside Dan Lydiate as being vulnerable after failing to impress so far in the tournament.

Wales are bidding for an unprecedented third successive Six Nations title, but an unimpressive 23-15 win over Italy and the heavy defeat in Dublin mean a win against France is crucial to keep their dreams alive.

Warburton said: "The message from the coaches is play every Welsh game like it could be your last.

"So I don't think anybody should feel safe in a Welsh jersey, which is the best way to be.

"You want to go out playing with a little bit of that nervousness and a bit of fear, really, because that's what brings you out.

"When you get backed into a corner you should come out fighting and I think that's the way all players should respond."

Prop Gethin Jenkins admits he is among the senior Wales players under pressure against unbeaten France.

Jenkins will win his 103rd Wales cap - one short of former fly-half Stephen Jones' record - and said: "There are a lot of boys upset with the way we performed [against Ireland], and we know we can do better.

"The senior boys are probably the ones under the most pressure. They know that. We all know we need to do better.

"We [the senior men] are the ones leading the team.

"We are the ones who drive the standards, who drive training, and when things go wrong, the pressure comes to us because we are the ones leading it.

"You wouldn't have it any other way."

Jones says the squad believe they can put things right against France, and that a third straight title is still possible.

"There is still a lot of confidence in the players we've got," he said. "It is just a case of getting back out on that field and proving ourselves.

"We are at home, there will be a big atmosphere and we need to show what we are about.

"We've obviously had a good look at ourselves and this week has been about building again.

"We are still in the tournament and we have still got to aim for four out of five wins."