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Wales (17) 24
Tries: Dyer, T Williams, Roberts Cons: Costelow 2 Pens: Costelow
France (20) 45
Tries: Fickou, Le Garrec, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Lucu Cons: Ramos 4 Pens: Ramos 4

France overpowered winless Wales in an eight-try Six Nations thriller in Cardiff.

France scored tries through Gael Fickou, Nolann Le Garrec, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua and Maxime Lucu, with Thomas Ramos adding 20 points.

Wales managed tries from Rio Dyer, Tomos Williams and Joe Roberts but were outmuscled in the second half.

France scored 25 unanswered points in the final quarter.

It was a highest points tally for Les Bleus in Wales as Fabien Galthie’s side bounced back from a draw with Italy, lifting themselves to fourth in the table.

Warren Gatland’s side, who are rooted to the bottom of the table, now face the possibility of a first Six Nations Wooden Spoon since 2003.

This was an 11th defeat in 12 Six Nations games for Wales – four during this tournament – and a sixth successive loss to France.

Wales play Italy on the final day of this year’s Six Nations in Cardiff, while France host England in Lyon and Scotland travel to face leaders Ireland.

More to follow.

Line-ups

Wales: Winnett; Adams, Roberts, Watkin, Dyer; Costelow, Tomos Williams; G Thomas, Dee, Assiratti, Rowlands, Beard, D Jenkins (capt), Reffell, Wainwright.

Replacements: E Lloyd, Domachowski, Lewis, Martin, Mann, G Davies, I Lloyd, Grady.

France: Barre; Penaud, Fickou, Depoortere, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Le Garrec; Baille, Marchand, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt (capt).

Replacements: Mauvaka, S Taofifenua, Colombe, Taofifenua, Roumat, Boudehent, Lucu, Moefana.

Match officials

Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

Touch judges: Andrew Brace (Ireland) & Damian Schneider (Australia)

TMO: Ian Tempest (England)



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