Wales put a gaping gap in France’s obvious cloak of invincibility, nevertheless it nonetheless wasn’t sufficient to derail the guests’ Grand Slam bid which rolls on to Paris subsequent Saturday.
Now solely England can deny Fabien Galthie’s aspect a primary Six Nations clear sweep and Championship title since 2010. It’ll take one thing particular for Les Bleus to be denied.
But at Principality Stadium, France have been made to look mere mortals relatively than the Gods many have feted them as. Wayne Pivac’s Wales pushed Antoine Dupont and Co all the way in which. Certainly, this was a sport the hosts ought to have received.
France’s Grand Slam bid rolls on after they defeated Wales on the Principality Stadium
Gael Fickou was the glue in midfield as Melvyn Jaminet despatched Anthony Jelonch (above) over
They’d one probability within the second half, nevertheless it was blown by Jonathan Davies and France – who didn’t play significantly nicely – escaped with victory.
‘I’m pissed off, disenchanted and irritated. I believed we have been the higher crew and put the very best crew on the planet underneath stress for giant intervals,’ mentioned Wales captain Dan Biggar.
‘I’m so pleased with the lads by way of how they caught in it. I’m actually, actually happy with the hassle and that was extra like us by way of angle.’
Wales head coach Pivac added: ‘The boys put in an enormous effort. We had our alternative within the second half and didn’t fairly take it. I’m very disenchanted to not get the end result.’
France head coach Galthie mentioned: ‘What was essential was to win the match. England are a serious rugby nation and our sole focus now’s on beating England. They’re at all times very robust, however we’ve got perception and there’s a great amount on the sport.’
On paper, this appeared like it might be a mismatch. One factor in Wales’ favour was dwelling benefit and but Principality Stadium – as anticipated – was removed from full.
French followers had travelled in giant numbers. La Marseillaise was by far the louder of the 2 anthems and Allez les Bleus reverberated around the Welsh rugby cauldron as Melvyn Jaminet and Biggar swapped early penalties.
It didn’t take lengthy for France to burst into life. Jaminet went off on a searing run and located Gabin Villiere in help. Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams suffered a nasty head blow making an attempt to stem the French assault and was clearly staggering round with the results of a attainable concussion.
Because the Wales medical employees tried to take away Williams from the sphere, France unfold the ball again left and Jaminet despatched Anthony Jelonch over within the nook. Williams went straight off to get replaced by Kieran Hardy.
After initially lacking prop Tomas Francis’ head knock towards England, Wales’ medical crew reacted far faster to the Williams incident however the participant didn’t assist himself by making an attempt to combat off their assist. Biggar then kicked a second penalty.
Melvyn Jaminet kicked an early penalty earlier than a searing run discovered the returning Gabin Villiere
Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams suffered a nasty head blow making an attempt to stem the French assault
Even with their scrum in reverse towards the may of Cyril Baille and Uini Atonio, Wales someway stayed within the battle. In Taulupe Faletau, that they had a No 8 who refused to take a backward step. Sheer brilliance from Dupont despatched Yoram Moefana away, however Biggar responded with a elegant 50:22 kick and a easy penalty which left his crew in contact on the break.
Jaminet had tried an optimistic drop aim on the finish of the primary half. It was a sign France had been ever so barely rattled. Wales have been definitely searching blue shirts.
Biggar led from the entrance, enjoying with mind in addition to brawn, however Jaminet kicked the primary factors of the second interval after Adam Beard was offside. Biggar put the ball into the sky with regularity and there appeared a transparent tactic to focus on Jaminet.
Heavy rain had fallen in Cardiff forward of kick-off and with the Principality Stadium roof open, France struggled to rule the skies in admittedly troublesome situations. Additionally they coughed up some simple penalties which solely served to additional enthuse Wales. Galthie appeared removed from impressed.
France prolonged their lead on the high of the Six Nations desk whereas Wales sit second final
Regardless of the low scoring nature of the sport, it was an exhilarating contest at Principality Stadium
Wales’ tactical strategy was proper on the cash as they kicked, chased and harried. The irony was that for all of the innovation Pivac has tried to convey to Wales since taking cost, this was a Welsh efficiency straight out of the Warren Gatland playbook.
Then got here the second Wales had been ready for. Biggar kicked to Faletau who handed inside to centre Davies. With the road gaping, the ball didn’t stick. This was the primary Six Nations dwelling sport since 2009 by which Wales failed to attain a attempt.
Davies’ drop was their second and it was one they handed up. Pivac confirmed iconic Wales and British & Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones will probably be added to his squad for subsequent weekend’s finale with Italy after his newest restoration from harm.
Jones hasn’t performed since struggling a shoulder downside towards New Zealand on October 30 which required surgical procedure. ‘He’s labored very, very laborious as Alun Wyn does,’ mentioned Pivac. ‘He’ll be out there for choice for Italy.’
Dan Biggar put in a stable efficiency however wasn’t capable of cease his aspect from falling to defeat
