In an entertaining spectacle France outscored Wales six tries to five with Richie Pugh’s side finishing the campaign with two defeats and a victory against Portugal.
France exploded out of the blocks in the second half to effectively put the game beyond Wales reach but Pugh’s side refused to throw in the towel to regain a foothold in the match.
France took an early lead when they flooded through with backs combining with forwards before towering lock Baptiste Veschambre lumbered over to score the opening points of the game. Luka Keletaona added the extras for an early 7-0 lead.
Wales were unable to exploit good field positions created but they continued to hammer away until midfielder Adrien Drault received a yellow carded for a slap down close to his own line.
Wales’ engine room showed patience when Will Evans crashed over after Deian Gwynne surged to within inches of the try-line. Carwyn Jones struck the conversion between the uprights to level the scores 7-7 after 20mins.
Still a man down, France took the sting out of Wales when Keletaona put his side back in the lead with a simple penalty.
Steffan Emanuel and Lewis Edwards then exchanged passes before the full back passed back in field to his captain who crossed unopposed. Jones added the extras to put Wales 14-10 in front.
France regained the lead when right wing Melvyn Rates danced his way through a flailing Welsh defence. Keletaona’s conversion put France 17-14 ahead.
Wales surged over the try-line but heroic defence from France held the red tide at bay. France then showed Wales how to take your chances when they powered over from close range and Ethan Tia claimed the honours to leave Richie Pugh’s side trailing 22-14 at the break.
A perfectly executed driving maul saw Marceau Marzullo driven over and with the extras added, France had shot out to a 29-14 lead.
Charly Mignot was then a recipient of a gift after Carwyn Jones dropped the ball retreating and suddenly Wales were chasing the game.
Wales gave themselves a lifeline when Gwynne powered his way through three French defenders to plough over. Jones conversion pulled the score back to 36-21.
But France continued to throw the ball around and scrum half Gabriel Elissalds swan dived to score their next five pointer, with full back Gabin Lecoste chipping over the conversion.
Wing Joseff Jones showed a lethal turn of pace to score out wide to score Wales’ fourth try before Wales had the final say when Alex Ridgway took matters into how own hands and showed strength and power as he took a quick tap himself to score a well taken try. Steffan Jac Jones added the touchline conversion to conclude the action.
