Wales v France LIVE: Result and reaction from Six Nations clash as hosts wilt under second half pressure
Wales 24-40 France: Les Bleus finally come to play with an impressive, aggressive display against Warren Gatland’s youthful team
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Your support makes all the difference.Wales succumbed to another Six Nations defeat after a blazing show in the second half saw France power their way to a 21-point victory in Cardiff.
An open first half fluctuated between the teams as both sides made repeated mistakes allowing the other to score. Wales opened the scoring with an early penalty - ably kicked by Sam Costelow - before the visitors responded with three points of their own. As both attacks proved to by clinical, the lead switched hands four times with Les Bleus taking a 17-20 lead into the break.
Warren Gatland’s team talk inspired a fine start to the second half as Joe Roberts dove over for another try but from there it was all France. The visitors spent quarter of an hour or so camped inside Wales’ 22, scoring two tries and a penalty kick to extend themselves beyond Wales’ capabilities.
A last minute try from Maxime Lucu put the icing on the cake and France ran away 45-24 winners in a much needed successful result.
Relive the action from the Six Nations below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:
Wales 24-40 France, 77 minutes
For the first time in the last 20 minutes or so Wales get the ball inside the French 22 but give possession away. France are awarded a scrum and they are in no rush to set and get ready for it.
They think this game is over with just three minutes or so remaining.
PENALTY! Wales 24-40 France, (Thomas Ramos penalty, 74 minutes)
Thomas Ramos beautifully curls his kick in between the posts. France have really stepped up the tempo in this second half and they’re earning their rewards.
Wales 24-37 France, 72 minutes
Less than 10 minutes to go for Wales to get themselves back into this match. It’s going to take two tries at least and they need to spend some time in possession.
France look comfortable now, they pinning Wales back and are holding firm, slowing down the play.
TRY! Wales 24-37 France (Romain Taofifenua, 69 minutes)
Romain Taofifenua charges down an attempted kick from Gareth Davies and the ball comes loose deep in Wales’ half. Taofifenua sprints forward and collects the ball before diving for the line and recording France’s fifth try.
It’s a bonus point for them but more importantly they open up a 13 point lead.
TRY! Wales 24-30 France, (Georges-Henri Colombe, 65 minutes)
Wales have done so much defending over the last 15 minutes as the pressure continued to mount on them.
A wide pass out to Damien Penaud gets the winger flying down the wing which gains them valuable field position once more. Georges-Henri Colombe powers over the line to record his first ever try for France.
Les Bleus are ahead again.
Wales 24-23 France, 64 minutes
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Principality Stadium: "An interesting shift in strategy from France having turned down the points moments ago.
“You feel like their new tight five brute squad will continue to earn them field position if they can control the flow of the game - Wales will have to box clever from here to hold on to this narrow lead."
PENALTY! Wales 24-23 France (Thomas Ramos penalty, 61 minutes)
France decide that their scrum isn’t working as well as they’d like so decide to kick for goal. Ramos sends it over the sticks and the French move within one point of Wales.
Wales 24-20 France, 60 minutes
Yes! France engage too early in the scrum and Wales are afforded a penalty. They boot it long and chase the ball up the pitch. It’s a get out of jail free card for Warren Gatland’s men.
Wales 24-20 France, 58 minutes
France though they had scored a third try but their consolation is a rest on the scrum. Another penalty advantage goes their way before another knock on from the visitors means a third effort at a scrum.
Can Wales keep the French out?
NO TRY! Wales 24-20 France, 56 minutes
Wales give away a penalty right under the post and France elect for the scrum. Power is the order of the day as Charles Ollivon and Nolann Le Garrec drive forward.
Gregory Alldritt gets over the line and scores but the TMO spots a knock on and thw France try is ruled out!
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