Four down, one to go. France’s mission for the grand slam rumbles on, and they remain on course for a first Six Nations title since 2010, but how Wales made them work for it. Les Bleus had been fancied to dominate the defending champions but, as they have demonstrated so often, the Welsh are not easily intimidated.
A clinical early try by Anthony Jelonch ultimately proved decisive but the life was very nearly squeezed from the French attempt at a clean sweep in what became, as the Wales captain, Dan Biggar, said, “an arm-wrestle and a slug-fest”. That France emerged victorious is testament to their spirit and work-rate, and to the defence coach, Shaun Edwards, who helped to mastermind so many memorable Welsh successes here in the past. France’s winning streak began when they denied Wales the grand slam in Paris with a late try nearly a year ago.
