France give the Welsh no chance
Wales ............................. 23 France ............................ 27
For years Six Nations lovers have wondered where the real France were and bemoaned their annual failure. Be careful what you wish for. Fabien Galthie’s young musketeers are on course for a Grand Slam after edging a pulsating contest to win in Cardiff for the first time since 2010.
The last time they did so, a clean sweep followed.
The years since have been barren but after two home wins the reborn French proved they can put on a show outside Paris too.
They shrugged off the sin-binning of Gregory Alldritt and Mohamed Haouas either side of half-time to keep up this season’s unbeaten record.
Romain Ntamack’s second- half interception try and 100 per cent kicking record proved crucial as Wales just fell short.
Man of the match Ntamack said: “The interception try was a 50-50 call.
“I went for it and it was a good moment. It is an amazing feeling. We have no experience but we play withh smiles on our faces.”
France, who outscored Wales three tries to two, crossed twice in the opening period.
First full-back Anthony Bouthier did so then Paul Willemse barged his way over from a lineout move after Johnny McNicholl failed to hold the charging second row.
The French withstood a Wales siegee just before half-time to take a 17--9 lead into the break.
But they were finally broken in thehe 48th minute through an unlikelyely source – tighthead prop Dillon Lewis.is.
Wales were within a point and thehe red balloon was inf lating only for Ntamack to burst it by picking off Nick Tompkins’ pass to race clearar and reestablish France’s lead.
The lion-hearted Dan Biggar hauled Wales back into it with a try with five minutes remaining. But they could not come back against a side starring since Shaun Edwards swapped Wales’ backroom team for France’s.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones said: “We know they have a very good defence coach and they were an embodiment of that.”