Strong second half sees Wales earn first victory

MORGAN Strong’s secondhalf try helped Wales to their first win of the championship – and their first over France since 2016.

Ellis Bevan’s try put them up at half time with France unable to turn dominance before the break into points, and despite Sacha Lotrian’s score, saw the victory slip away.

France, who needed a win to stay in the running for the U20s Six Nations crown, had an early chance to take the lead but Thibault Debaes’ penalty attempt from 45 metres on the angle was blown wide by the powerful wind.

Despite playing into the wind for the first half, it was Wales who were able to manage the conditions better and keep play in French territory.

Pouncing on a loose ball in the midfield, Bevan got the first try after Sam Costelow had dummied his way through before drawing the final defender to send his scrum-half over. The fly-half added the extras and Wales were 7-0 to the good.

France took their time adjusting to the weather, with a number of kicks out on the full, but when they did get back into the Welsh 22, an offside in midfield allowed Debaes to get his team on the board.

Wales’ lineout stated to misfire, and that allowed France to set up camp in the home 22, Debaes slotting three more points after a jumper was impeded in the lineout.

The momentum was with Les Bleuets, and they pushed hard for a first try at the end of a 51-minute first half, putting huge pressure on the Wales scrum. Josh Brennan was denied a try for a knock-on earlier in the build-up when he had forced his way over.

While the home side were able to hold out, after conceding three scrum penalties, hooker Dom Booth then jumped on a ball while offside and was sin-binned for his troubles. France had one final go to get a try, but Tani Vili was held up over the line.

France made four changes at the break, including bringing on No.8 Jordan Joseph, and they started off as they had finished the first. A big scrum on the Wales line had the home defence scrambling and eventually the pressure told as Lotrian forced his way over.

Wales needed a response and they started to use the conditions to their advantage, with some clever kicking and French indiscipline allowing them to get into the visitors’ 22.

Just after the hour they made it count with a powerful rolling maul, Strong dotting it down. Costelow added the extras and while France pushed hard, they struggled to get back into Wales territory.