Post by bluetornados on Mar 18, 2023 19:47:01 GMT
SATURDAY 18th MARCH 2023 - GUINNESS SIX NATIONS
France 41 Wales 28
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13DA/production/_129028050_cdf_180323_france_v_wales060.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/2FFA/production/_129028221_gettyimages-1248511959.jpg
France hopes of retaining the Six Nations were dashed despite a bonus-point win against Wales in Paris.
An early George North try gave Wales hope, but France responded with two tries from Damian Penaud and scores from Jonathan Danty, Uini Atonio and Gael Fickou.
Thomas Ramos kicked 16 points, while Bradley Roberts, Tomos Williams and Rio Dyer crossed for Wales.
Ireland later clinched the Grand Slam and Six Nations by beating England.
Despite missing out the title, France picked up against Wales from their record 53-10 win against England at Twickenham with head coach Fabien Galthie only making two changes with the inclusion of prop Uini Atonio and lock Romain Taofifenua.
So Les Bleus head to the World Cup in their own country later this year having won 17 out of the last 18 matches and ranked second in the world.
In contrast, Wales have now lost 13 out of the last 17 games and lie in ninth in the world rankings as they ponder where they go from here following another underwhelming Six Nations campaign.
Warren Gatland's side have emulated the Wayne Pivac team of last year with only one win and four defeats in this campaign, resulting in another fifth-place finish.
Wales knew before the game they would not claim the Wooden Spoon with Italy finishing bottom of the Six Nations table for an 18th time since 2000.
But the visitors' fans will be encouraged by the battling second-half display that at least ensured Wales leave Paris with a losing bonus point for scoring four tries.
France 41 Wales 28
ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/800/cpsprodpb/13DA/production/_129028050_cdf_180323_france_v_wales060.jpg
ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/240/cpsprodpb/2FFA/production/_129028221_gettyimages-1248511959.jpg
France hopes of retaining the Six Nations were dashed despite a bonus-point win against Wales in Paris.
An early George North try gave Wales hope, but France responded with two tries from Damian Penaud and scores from Jonathan Danty, Uini Atonio and Gael Fickou.
Thomas Ramos kicked 16 points, while Bradley Roberts, Tomos Williams and Rio Dyer crossed for Wales.
Ireland later clinched the Grand Slam and Six Nations by beating England.
Despite missing out the title, France picked up against Wales from their record 53-10 win against England at Twickenham with head coach Fabien Galthie only making two changes with the inclusion of prop Uini Atonio and lock Romain Taofifenua.
So Les Bleus head to the World Cup in their own country later this year having won 17 out of the last 18 matches and ranked second in the world.
In contrast, Wales have now lost 13 out of the last 17 games and lie in ninth in the world rankings as they ponder where they go from here following another underwhelming Six Nations campaign.
Warren Gatland's side have emulated the Wayne Pivac team of last year with only one win and four defeats in this campaign, resulting in another fifth-place finish.
Wales knew before the game they would not claim the Wooden Spoon with Italy finishing bottom of the Six Nations table for an 18th time since 2000.
But the visitors' fans will be encouraged by the battling second-half display that at least ensured Wales leave Paris with a losing bonus point for scoring four tries.