The win signifies a massive turnaround for Gruff Rees’ youngsters after losing 34-17 last month to the same opponents in their first qualification game for these European championships hosted by the Armagnac-Bigorre region of south west France.
Wales lost narrowly 34-38 to England in the semi-final last weekend, after dominating throughout the match, and were determined to finish their international season on a high.
Despite horrendous conditions, Wales displayed guts and commitment to front up to a physical French outfit, and this time showed an ability to grind out a win.
France full back Quentin Pilet got the first points of the day with a penalty after 18 minutes, but Wales hit back immediately through a 60metre interception try by Cardiff High School Old Boys outside half Rhys Patchell, which he duly converted. The Blues pivot got his brace 10 minutes later to take the half time score to 12-3.
Five minutes into the second half, Pilet added his second penalty but Wales’ resources were put to the test for the final ten minutes after captain Ellis Jenkins and replacement No 8 Lewis Young received yellow cards for their part in an altercation between the sides in the Welsh 22.
However, heads did not go down and from the resulting French penalty, openside Daniel Thomas recovered possession and after some patient phase play, Wales replacement outside half Sam Davies dropped a goal to ensure the victory.
Wales Under 18 team manager Gethin Watts said, “We are all delighted with the win. After losing so narrowly to England last week in a game we could and should have won, there was a determination to put that right today and to try to reverse the disappointing result of the France game in Swansea.
“Despite the wet conditions, and the partisan crowd, the boys showed today that they have come a long way since that day at the start of March, and although our attack wasn’t up to our usual standards, the physicality and character of the team really came of age this evening, with the players and coaches deserve a lot of credit for that.”
Scorers – Wales: Tries: Rhys Patchell (2); Con: Rhys Patchell; Dg: Sam Davies
France: Pens: Quentin Pilet (2)
Wales team: Jordan Williams (Scarlets); Owen Jenkins (Blues), Ryan E Evans (Blues, Sam Davies Ospreys 42), Cory Allen (Blues), Jake Randall (Scarlets); Rhys Patchell (Blues), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets); Thomas Davies (Blues), Jack Dando (Blues), Daniel Suter (Ospreys, Bradley Thyer Blues 48), Jack Jones (Ospreys, Sion Bennett Scarlets 56), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys), Ellis Jenkins (capt, Blues), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets), Ieuan Jones (Dragons, Lewis Young Blues, 26).
