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 24-20 France, 52 minutes
Danger for Wales as quick and powerful runs from the French see them storm up the pitch and get inside the 10 metre line. France win a couple of penalties but play the advantage in the hopes of getting over the line.
Wales are on the back foot, holding desperately to keep France at bay.
Wales 24-20 France, 49 minutes
Dillon Lewis is on for Keiron Assiratti for Wales. The Welsh scrum is starting to look more comfortable in challenging the French one.
All positive signs for Wales.
Wales 24-20 France, 46 minutes
That’s just the start Wales would have been after. They’re back in front now and will hope to extend on this lead.
Close! France overrun the ball and fling it forward to Leo Barre who breaks through the defence. He sees open road in front of him but the whistle goes for the forward pass and Wales are awarded the scrum inside their own half.
TRY! Wales 24-20 France, (Joe Roberts, 43 minutes)
Wales have come out with some intent to play the ball into the wider areas. They find some joy to get up the pitch before Sam Costelow bursts into space. He’s brought down but Wales move quickly.
They utilise an extra pass to get the ball to Joe Roberts who drives for the line and rolls over to score Wales’ third try.
Second half! Wales 17-20 France
Wales kick off the second half. During this Six Nations campaign Warren Gatland’s team have grown into matches and tend to score most of their points in the second half of games.
Can they build some pressure on France?
HT Wales 17-20 France,
Half-time! Wales 17-20 France, 40 minutes
A potential break for France comes to an end after a forward pass out to the wing. The whistle goes to end the first half and Warren Gatland will be pleased.
His team are still in the contest though the match is quite loose and open.
Wales 17-20 France, 38 minutes
Wales have had to do quite a bit of defending and that’s beginning to wear on them as half-time approaches. Defensively, both teams have made errors and seem very leaky.
It’s making for an entertaining match with France arguably the more composed is possession of the ball.
Wales 17-20 France, 35 minutes
Harry Latham-Coyle reporting from the Principality Stadium: "This bonkers, brilliant weekend of Six Nations action just keeps on delivering.
“I'm not sure either defensive coach will be particularly happy with their side's efforts without the ball so far but both Wales and France have played some lovely stuff in attack, delighting both the home crowd and a healthy, vocal contingent of French fans."
Wales 17-20 France, 32 minutes
What a first half this has been. France are the more aggressive and seemingly more skilled team but simple mistakes have kept Wales in the contest.
A flying drive down the left wing almost gets France in for a third try but Louis Bielle-Biarrey is ankle flicked and Wales win a lineout.
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