Wales 33 France 37
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Double try scorer Tony Marsh touches down for France at the Millennium Stadium (© Reuters) |
France notched their second Six Nations win this afternoon with a 37-33 success over Wales, but only after a dramatic finale in which the hosts had two injury time-tries disallowed by the video referee.
Captain Scott Quinnell and winger David James both thought they had scored winning tries but the video judge, who had earlier ruled once in favour of each side to award tries, came down in France's favour.
It was heart-breaking for the Welsh, who under new coach Steven Hansen, were unrecognisable from the team thrashed 54-10 by Ireland two weeks ago.
France were also much improved from their opening victory over Italy and, after a Craig Quinnell try had given Wales a good start, were always ahead.
Two first-half tries for Tony Marsh, one for Aurelien Rougeri and another supreme kicking display by 19-point Gerald Merceron proved enough for France to avenge their 43-35 defeat by the Welsh in Paris last year.
Wales- Tries: Craig Quinnell, Nathan Budgett, Kevin Morgan; Conversions: Stephen Jones (3); Penalties: Jones (4)
France- Tries: Tony Marsh (2), Aurelien Rougerie; Conversions: Gerald Merceron (2); Penalties: Damien Traille, Merceron (4); Drop goal: Merceron Halftime: 19-24