FRANCE 11 WALES 16
(at Stade Colombes, Paris).
Wales played superbly to prevent France winning the championship outright for the first time. Pack-leader Rees Stephens was outstanding and after first-choice flankers Clem Thomas and Len Davies withdrew, stand-ins Brian Sparkes and new cap Derek Williams played well enough to ensure Wales shared the championship.
Centre Alun Thomas swerved over in the first half and the second half try by Cardiff wing Haydn Morris was an even better effort. Thomas was served by Cliff Morgan and ran down the right wing, kicking high to the centre, where Morris leapt like a gazelle to catch and dive over.
Full back Garfield Owen, who later played for Halifax at Rugby League and still lives there, placed two conversions and two penalty goals in his usual neat style.
It was the first all-ticket match in Paris and a record crowd of 62,000 were present in sunny conditions. It was to be the final championship appearances by scrum half Rex Willis and French skipper Jean Prat, nicknamed ‘Monsieur Rugby’ by his Lourdes clubmates.
Scorers.
France – Try: Robert Baulon. Con: Michel Vannier. Pen: Vannier. DG: Maurice Prat.
Wales – Tries: Alun Thomas, Haydn Morris. Cons: Garfield Owen 2. Pens: Owen 2.
