Wales beat France to keep title dreams alive

Monday, 24 February 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: Wales shrugged off a crushing loss to Ireland two weeks ago with an emphatic 27-6 victory over France at the Millennium Stadium on Friday that keeps alive their dream of a third successive Six Nations title. Centre George North scored a first half try and captain Sam Warburton added a second near the end while French number eight Louis Picamolles was in the sin bin and fullback Leigh Halfpenny kicked 17 points.

The result leaves Wales, France and Ireland all on four points before the unbeaten Irish face England at Twickenham on Saturday looking to win the Triple Crown and take sole lead in the championship. France, previously unbeaten after wins over England and Italy, were second best all night to a dominant Welsh pack who put behind them the 26-3 defeat in Dublin. The Welsh also overcame the loss of lock Alun Wyn Jones, who pulled out of the match at the last minute with a foot infection, with coach Warren Gatland handing Jake Ball his second cap. France’s only replies came from first half penalties kicked by scrumhalf Jean-Marc Doussain and flyhalf Jules Plisson with the home defence frustrating their every effort at running the ball.