Wales captain Jac Morgan said on Thursday that his team would be using pre-tournament negativity surrounding their hopes in the Six Nations as motivation before the opener against France.
Morgan's side head to Paris on Friday looking to end a national record run of 12 straight test defeats.
Wales' last international victory came at the World Cup in October 2023, with their victory over tournament favourites France coming at the Stade de France six years ago.
"We've spoken as a team that there's a lot of noise outside, but we've just got to work together as a squad, as a whole bunch of boys, squads, coaches," Morgan told reporters.
"Not a lot of people are expecting a lot from us really, they're wanting to write us off.
"It drives us on a little bit as a squad, wanting to prove people wrong," the flanker added.
Leading France this week will be Olympic sevens gold medallist Antoine Dupont, returning to the Six Nations having missed last year's championship due to his Games commitments.
In addition to his Olympic success Dupont last year won a French Top 14 and Champions Cup double with club Toulouse and guided France to an unbeaten November series.
"He doesn't have any weaknesses," Ospreys back-rower Morgan said.
"He's a superb, dangerous player. He's great for France and his club. It's tough to play against him."
Morgan, 25, skippers an inexperienced Wales side with club teammate in fly-half Dan Edwards set to make his test debut off the bench.
"He's been great over the past two weeks," Morgan said.
"It's a massive honour to get your first cap so I’m sure he's excited, even a little bit nervous.
"He's trained well and has prepared the team in a great way.
"It's a proud moment for him," he added.