Despite muddy conditions, Wales scored two tries through Phil Jones and Will Jones to secure the victory.
France took the lead in the opening quarter through a try from Romain Ntamack but when Jones spotted a gap a minute later he ran through the middle of the French defence to score. He converted his own try and added a penalty, helping the host nation to a 10-5 lead at the interval.
Captain and outside half Thomas Darmon brought France to within two points with a second half penalty but Wales held on during the third quarter. The defence and set-piece were strong and there was a clear intent to attack. Right wing Pat Lewis was unlucky not to rewarded for his efforts and shortly after being held up over the line, and with only a minute remaining, coach Geraint Lewis saw openside flanker Will Jones cross the muddied whitewash for a try that Ben Jones converted to secure an outstanding collective victory.
Lewis said; “It’s great for Welsh rugby to have got four wins against the French over the last two weekends.
“In fairness to the boys, they dug in and slogged it out. The conditions didn’t make it easy, but both sides tried to play.
“France have such a wealth of talent at age grade level, and their forward pack was huge tonight, but we fronted up well, and can look forward to playing England next weekend.”
Wales play England at Aberavon next Sunday (13 March, 5pm) and host the U18 International Series over Easter.
Scorers:
Wales:
Tries: Phil Jones, Will Jones
Cons: Phil Jones, Ben Jones
Pen: Phil Jones
France:
Try: Romain Ntamack
Pen: Thomas Darmon
Wales U18 team v France:
Will Talbot Davies (Dragons / Solihull); Pat Lewis (Dragons/ Pontypool / Lewis School), Owen Lane (Blues / Cardiff/ Cowbridge), Kieran Williams (Ospreys/ Glynneath/ Ystalyfera), Ryan Conbeer (Scarlets/ Sir Gar); Phil Jones (Ospreys/ Gowerton/ Gowerton), Efan Jones (Wrexham / Rydal Penrhos); Rhys Carre (Blues/ Cowbridge), Corrie Tarent (Blues/ Pontypridd/ Cymoedd), Christian Coleman (Dragons / Garndiffaith), Rhys Davies (Bath/ Millfield), James Ratti (Ospreys/Gower),Lloyd Pike (Scarlets/ Sir Gar), Will Jones (Ospreys/ Penclawdd/ Gower), Aled Ward (capt, Blues/ Cardiff Harlequins/ Cowbridge)
Replacements:
Jordan Liney (Ospreys/ Hartbury), Eddie Drake (Blues / Cowbridge / Cowbridge), Josh Reynolds (Dragons / NHSOB/ Newport High), Max Williams (Dragons/ Newport High), Joe Thomas (Dragons / Penallta / Gwent), Owain Leonard (Dragons/ Cross Keys / Gwynlliw), Ben Jones (Blues/ Treharris/ Cymoedd), Corey Baldwin (Scarlets/ Llandovery College)
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