The drama of the Six Nations is back again and the opening game of the tournament in Paris lived up to everyone’s expectations. Wales managed to weather the Les Blues storm in the first half, and overcome a 16-0 deficit to end up victorious in the French capital.
The hosts dominated the lacklustre visitors, and quickly asserted their authority as Louis Picamoles and Yoann Huget crossed the white wash in quick succession. The Welsh struggled to compete with the carefully executed French kicking game instigated by Morgan Parra, and often struggled to maintain possession and get a foothold in the match. The first half ended in a 16-0 lead to the hosts as the French looked to have the game sealed against an unrecognisable Welsh side.
After possibly one of their worst performances under Gatland, Wales looked to bounce back and take advantage of the French missed opportunities in the first half after missing out on a further 9 points. Tom Williams headed the Welsh revival as he scored six minutes into the second half, and following the successful conversion the Welsh men seemed to have their tails up as they looked to close the gap on the not so-composed hosts.
George North then capitalised on a calamitous mistake from French winger Yoann Huget as he turned from hero to zero in a matter of seconds after spilling the ball on the line towards the path of the grateful North, who tipped the score into the visitor’s favour 17-16.
Camille Lopez kicked the hosts back in front but it wasn’t to be, as North once again proved to be Wales’s hero as he latched on to a reckless miss-placed pass from Sébastien Vahaamahina to secure the victory for Wales.
Wales’s much improved performance allowed them to secure a 10th successive win for the first time since 1999, and Gatland’s men will be full of confidence as they travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face Italy who play Scotland tomorrow, in the next round of the tournament.
Match Highlights here:
