The Glasgow combination could be going up against a Scarlets duo if Hawkins and James hold off the challenge of Thomas and fit-again Ospreys centre Owen Watkin.
James, 23 and 6ft 3ins, showed signs of promise with ball in hand against Les Bleus.
“He had an injury during the off season and since he has come back for the Scarlets he has been really physical in the carry and in defence,” said Hawkins, who also partnered James for Wales Under-20s.
“He has brought that into the Six Nations and he is a big man. When you’ve got people like that in the team you just want to get them on the ball as much as possible.”
After shipping 15 tries and 102 points in the first two rounds, Wales clearly have work to do in defence.
However, Hawkins’ playmaking abilities are key to them also posing more questions in attack.
“We talk a lot about being a team that can excite the nation,” said the centre, who featured at fly-half for Scarlets in the first half of the season.
“A lot of the best teams in the world believe in their style of game and wouldn’t change. France double down on that and they are one of the best in the world.
“After a couple of disappointing results it’s not the time to go away from what is working, or going to work, for us moving forward. We just need to keep banging the drum.”