Wales leave it late to beat France and end losing run

Monday, 11 February 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

PARIS (Reuters): A last-gasp try by George North helped defending champions Wales to a 16-6 win against France in the six Nations at the Stade de France on Saturday, ending an eight-match losing streak and further denting Les Bleus’ pride.

Flyhalf Dan Biggar chipped through towards wing North, who shrugged off Morgan Parra’s tackle and dived in at the corner with eight minutes left after Frederic Michalak and Leigh Halfpenny had scored two penalties each. Halfpenny converted and added a penalty five minutes from time to seal Wales’s first win since they beat France at the Millennium Stadium to claim the Grand Slam in last year’s six Nations.

France, who had not lost their first two championship games since 1982, now face a difficult trip to England in two weeks’ time, while Wales will take restored confidence into their match against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.