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As it happenedended

George North seals Welsh comeback against France in thrilling Six Nations opener

Re-live all the action from the Six Nations opener in Paris

Harry Latham-Coyle,Bradley West
Friday 01 February 2019 14:04 EST
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Six Nations preview: Wales in profile

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Wales staged a remarkable second-half comeback to stun France 24-19 on a memorable opening Six Nations night in Paris.

Warren Gatland's team trailed 16-0 at the interval, but they responded magnificently to claim a 10th successive win and equal their longest unbeaten run since 1999.

Tries by scrum-half Tomos Williams and wing George North, who capitalised on opposite number Yoann Huget's defensive howler, plus two Gareth Anscombe conversions and a Dan Biggar penalty edged Wales ahead following a 15-minute purple patch.

And after France went back in front through a Camille Lopez penalty, North claimed his second try - a stunning 60-metre interception effort that Biggar converted - to give Wales a seventh victory from the last eight starts against France.

Re-live the action below:


France 16-17 Wales, 68 minutes

Davies drops back to collect the reply, but fumbles, backwards, as France approach on the chase.

But he compounds his error by throwing the ball straight to Romain Ntamack!

France find no change in the Welsh defence and Camille Lopez tries a drop goal...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:33

France 16-17 Wales

Charged down!

But the ball floats towards the posts anyway, and the French players are all onside with the Welsh touch.

Felix Lambey claims it beautifully like a fielder by the boundary rope and charges into a tackle, but Wayne Barnes rules the second row has knocked on as he falls to the floor and Wales survive. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:34

​France 16-17 Wales, 69 minutes

Big scrum this.

And Dany Priso gets a nudge on. Samson Lee is in reverse, the power comes through from Demba Bamba and Julien Marchand on the opposite side and Wayne Barnes penalises the Welsh.

France will retake the lead from bang in front.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:35

​Three for Camille. France 19-17 Wales, 70 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:36

The French youth movement continues from the bench. Gregory Alldritt, just 21, for Louis Picamoles.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:37

France 19-17 Wales, 71 minutes

Gael Fickou claims a high bomb superbly down the right, and France will go wide inside the France half...

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:37

TRY! BUT GEORGE NORTH INTERCEPTS A LOOSE PASS AND WILL NOT BE CAUGHT! France 19-22 Wales

Another gift. A complete gift.

Second row Sebastien Vahaamahina for some reason tries to fling a 25-yard pass to his winger, but it never has the carry or pace to get there.

North taps up for himself and sprints away for a second try. 

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:38

Dan Biggar converts from right in front. France 19-24 Wales, 73 minutes

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:40

France 19-24 Wales, 74 minutes

A strong carry from Gregory Alldritt. The French replacements in the pack have shown promise in that regard, but their momentum is stopped and they'll have to reignite the attack.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:41

France 19-24 Wales, 75 minutes

Winding runs from Camille Lopez and Maxime Medard find no space in Welsh wall, Wyn Jones (who has been introduced for Rob Evans with the tackle on the latter.

Harry Latham-Coyle1 February 2019 21:42

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