Wales eye history as North wins gamble

WALES’ winning moment against France on Friday night was far less planned and far luckier — but could be equally as significant as the Ireland victory in Paris last year.

A Johnny Sexton drop goal beat France and set the Irish on the path to the Six Nations title and the Grand Slam.

So for the team that Warren Gatland remarked has now ‘forgotten how to lose’ George North’s 71stminute interception for a crucial try felt hugely significant.

With the score at 19-17 to France, Sebastien Vahaamahina attempted a floated pass to Yoann Huget but as the ball wobbled North gambled, took the ball and sprinted to the line. Dan Biggar converted as Wales won 24-19 to make history and claim a 10th consecutive win.

‘Sometimes you just have to take a bit of risk and thankfully it came off,’ said North. ‘It is a bit easier when the ball is floating like that for a while.’

Slumped in the mixed-zone postmatch, Vahaamahina was distraught. ‘I gave them that last try,’ he admitted. ‘I take it on myself. I didn’t see George North coming up and I rushed to make the pass. In the changing room it was difficult to talk about it.’

Louis Picamoles had the first try for France after seven minutes, Huget the next on 23. The rain fell heavily and when Camille Lopez banged over a penalty then a sumptuous drop-goal from 40 metres, this game seemed to be over.

Tomos Williams’ try after the break gave Wales hope but it was still the tallest of orders, until a Huget howler. Hadleigh Parkes kicked aimlessly deep, nothing was on, but sliding for the ball the winger fumbled, North pounced and scored.

‘Nine times out of 10 that doesn’t happen,’ said North. ‘But the one time you don’t chase is the one time someone messes up. You have to keep running everything down.’

Having gone ahead again with a Camille Lopez penalty, France conspired to throw the match for a second time with that intercept to leave coach Jacques Brunel shellshocked. ‘This is something you cannot explain,’ he said.

Now Wales, those great redeemers in Paris, march on to Rome, then Twickenham in search of records. Two more wins and they will beat the 1907-10 vintage who won 11 on the spin.