A strong French side won in Cardiff for the first time since 2010 and are on course to win their first Grand Slam in 10 years, being the only undefeated team in the Six Nations so far.
It was Wales’ second defeat in their last three games preventing them from defending last year’s trophy. It was the visitors second win in 10 games against the hosts.
The victory gave French defence coach Shaun Edwards a successful return to the Principality Stadium after spending 12 years under Warren Gatland coaching Wales.
The first scrum of the game was anticipated by supporters after pre-match controversy surrounding Wales prop Wyn Jones – who accused France of using illegal scrum tactics, only for the visiting coach Fabien Galthie to suggest he showed a lack of respect for the nation. With no on-field incident apart from France conceding a penalty from a ruck offence, it gave Wales a chance to go three points ahead as Biggar slotted away the kick.
After seven minutes France responded when Halfpenny dropped a soaring Ntamack kick, leaving Bouthier sprinting through to score. Ntamack scored the conversion.
There was concern for Welsh winger George North when he left the field for a head injury assessment following a heavy challenge. Johnny McNicholl replaced him.
France slotted away another penalty after Dillon Lewis was found guilty of a ruck transgression.
As Wales had possession they were constantly pressured by aggressive French counter-rucking who even pushed the offside line resulting in a Biggar penalty.
It seemed as if France had responded quickly as Fickou touched down but following television replays, a Bouthier pass to Vakatawa was regarded forward, disallowing a second try.
This result only delayed an inevitable try when a driving line-out allowed Willemse to charge through to score. Another Ntamack conversion made it 17-6 to the visitors.
Biggar scored a third penalty. Continual French offending led to a yellow card for Alldritt on the brink of half-time. Instead of kicking for the posts, Wales decided to go for the corner which backfired when the French defence stood strong right up to the break.
After the interval the Reds scored almost immediately, when Alldritt finished serving his yellow card, as prop Lewis touched down to score his first international try. Biggar converted to go one point behind the visitors.
With momentum (and the crowd) with Wales, they appeared to be drawing closer to going ahead until an in-form Ntamack intercepted a Tompkins pass to be in the clear to score a converted try.
Another Ntamack penalty meant the hosts were trailing by 11 points before Willemse nearly conceded a penalty try after he knocked the ball forward. Following television replays, English referee Matt Carley controversially stuck with his assistant referee’s decision that it was only a knock-on even though Ken Owens attempted try-scoring pass to Josh Adams was struck down.
Adams left the field with an ankle injury with Jarod Evans replacing him.
After incessant scrummaging offences, Mohamed Haouas was given a yellow card. Debutant Will Rowlands and Aaron Wainright completed a clever passage of play which resulted in Biggar diving over to score a converted try. This made for an exhilarating final 5 minutes.
A promising Tompkins break was halted by a turnover by France replacement hooker Camille Chat to conclude the game.
After the final whistle, there were altercations between the two teams as France remained undefeated after a rare win in Cardiff.
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