Sunderland Echo

France look to claim title after victory over Wales

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France claimed a dramatic last-gasp 32-30 victory to deny Wales the Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam after a controvers­ial Paris epic.

Andtheycou­ldalsodest­roy Wales' title hopes by beating Scotland with a bonus point next Friday.

France had lock Paul Willemse sent off 11 minutes from time for making contact with theeyearea­ofWalespro­pWyn Jones,whilethevi­sitorsplay­ed the last eight minutes with 13 menfollowi­ngyellowca­rdsfor TaulupeFal­etauandLia­mWilliams,andultimat­elycouldno­t hold out.

Les Bleus full-back Brice Dulinscore­datrytwomi­nutes into injury time, giving them a five-point maximum.

Wales had recorded just three Test match victories last year – against Italy twice and Georgia – but they seemed on course to be crowned kings of European rugby once more.

Fly-half Dan Biggar scored 20pointsfr­omatry,threepenal­ties and three conversion­s, while flanker Josh Navidi and wingJoshAd­amsalsotou­ched down to thwart France.

The hosts, though, refused to throw in the towel, and they prevailed through tries by Dulin, lock Romain Taofifenua, scrum-half Antoine Dupont and captain Charles Ollivon, with goalkicker­s Mathieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack booting 12 points between them.

France opened their account through Taofifenua.

Biggar hit back with Wales’ response, converting.

Dupont then put his side back in the ascendency, only for Navidi to drag the Welsh back into contention.

Adamsthens­entWalesin­to the home straight.

But with Faletau and Williams by then off, Dulin broke Welsh hearts.

 ??  ?? A distraught Alun Wyn-Jones after the late France try.
A distraught Alun Wyn-Jones after the late France try.

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