Eddie Butler tells Welsh fans not to fret after their momentus defeat at the hands of France.

The result was not so much a shock, more a disappointment.

The transformation of the French from a haphazard side into an extremely durable one has been achieved remarkably quickly by Bernard Laporte.

Let's be honest. It was a wonderful performance from the French and I for one, was glad to see them back on song.

It's clear that Graham Henry is facing his second test. Last year he pulled a dispirited team together. What Henry now has to do is take another step forward.

No-one is questioning his credentials. But this is a new situation for the Messiah. The nation awaits.

The problem is that there aren't a lot of players knocking on the door. The A-team went well on Friday evening, but I don't think Henry will make too many hasty changes.

Neath flyer

In fact there could be just one for the Italy game - Shane Williams on the wing.

Despite his pass that sent Emile Ntamack over in the dying minutes, he did enough to suggest he's worth a full start in two weeks time.

There are other question marks, however, starting at full-back where Henry will be wondering whether Shane Howarth is doing enough coming into the line.

Robert Howley is still failing to fire on all cylinders, despite having the captaincy taken off him, but Henry's worry will be more about the patterns than the personnel.

He'll be concerned that his side seems to have lost what they were taught last year and that in itself may prevent him from juggling his players.

What was evident at the Millennium Stadium was that Wales failed to take their chances. Dafydd James and Jason Jones-Hughes should both have scored.

Instead they failed and France cut loose.

Stop, start

It didn't help the Welsh cause that Scott Quinnell was sin-binned. Wales struggled for possession and were run off the park during those 10 minutes.

It was the wrong decision by the referee in a game that was whistled (too frequently) and badly.

Henry will consider the fitness of Alan Bateman and Scott Gibbs for the next match. Both would add steel to the side.

But with such a precise system too many changes could spell further problems.

It was a fabulous start from the French, but Wales will bounce back.

It just proves the French performance during the World Cup semi-final wasn't a fluke and it sets up an almighty battle at the Stade de France against England.

Wales, quite simply, played below-par and France above what was expected of them.

Don't fret. This isn't a return to the Two Nations. The surprises are yet to come.