Wales produced a flat performance which condemned Warren Gatland’s men to fourth place in the table. Les Bleus dominated proceedings throughout in the Paris night time although three wins fro five outings is a slight overall improvement on last season’s campaign.
Wales just don’t look threatening when they move it along their back line and Gatland will have to examine whether the centre partnership of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts can stay intact. Wales had the ideal opening after James Hook sent over a wide angled penalty from the touchline after the French had strayed offside. Morgan Parra levelled matters in the seventh minute but Wales then proved to be masters of their own downfall, ignoring two clear cut overlaps and turning ball over during a period where Wales enjoyed most of the possession. Parra put France into the lead in the 26th minute after Wales had stolen lineout possession and then been penalised for holding on.
Sam Warburton’s departure due to a knee injury was also a big blow to Wales – the Blues flanker has had an outstanding campaign with hardly anyone mentioning the words ‘Martyn’ and ‘Williams’. There were brief interludes of excitement and Wales very nearly got the opening try in the 32nd minute when quick hands by Jamie Roberts and Lee Byrne put Leigh Halfpenny away but desperate defence by French fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc saved the day for the hosts. Lionel Nallet powered his way over the tryline after Lee Byrne had coughed up possession to ensure France led 11-3 at halftime.
Hook banged over his second penalty early after the break to double Wales’s score but at the restart Nallet made a nuisance of himself again to scored his second try of the game. Parra’s conversion put France in control at 18-6. Hook and Parra traded penalties before the Ospreys fly half was yellow carded for a supposed dangerous tackle in the 55th minute. Vincent Clerc crossed soon after with the third French try, and Parra’s conversion ended the game as a contest.
