Wales grab runners-up
WALES 14 FRANCE 13
Wales secured runners-up spot in this season’s Natwest 6 Nations Championship after edging out France at the Principality Stadium yesterday.
A Liam Williams try and three Leigh Halfpenny penalties swayed a forgettable contest Wales’ way as they completed a clean sweep of home wins in this season’s tournament.
However, Wales failed to score a point after the 30th minute, leaving Warren Gatland with plenty to contemplate ahead of summer appointments with South Africa and Argentina.
The victory, though, also meant that England finished fifth in this season’s Six Nations on the back of successive defeats against Scotland, France and Ireland.
France flew out of the blocks and Francois Trinh-duc put them ahead through a smart drop-goal after four minutes that rewarded their promising start.
But the Toulon playmaker soon turned from hero to villain, making a complete hash of his work in defence after Wales centre Scott Williams sent through a teasing kick, with Liam Williams collecting the bounce for his team’s opening try.