France v Wales 1999

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0:00:14 > 0:00:181999 was the year of the last ever Five Nations tournament

0:00:18 > 0:00:22and the year the old National Stadium finally gave way to

0:00:22 > 0:00:25the shiny new Millennium Stadium.

0:00:25 > 0:00:26Wales kicked off their campaign

0:00:26 > 0:00:29with a 33-20 defeat on the road to Scotland.

0:00:29 > 0:00:32- CHEERING - Tait has scored.

0:00:34 > 0:00:36And without a home in Cardiff, they had to continue

0:00:36 > 0:00:38their temporary residence at Wembley,

0:00:38 > 0:00:40and they were struggling to settle in.

0:00:40 > 0:00:45A 29-23 defeat to Ireland was their fourth in five matches there.

0:00:48 > 0:00:51Things weren't about to get any easier for Graham Henry.

0:00:51 > 0:00:52Next stop, Paris,

0:00:52 > 0:00:56and an appointment with the double Grand Slam champions.

0:00:57 > 0:00:58We were under a huge amount of pressure

0:00:58 > 0:01:00after losing the first two games.

0:01:00 > 0:01:02I know Graham had made quite a few changes to the side

0:01:02 > 0:01:04leading up to this game in Paris,

0:01:04 > 0:01:07and there was an awful lot of pressure on us,

0:01:07 > 0:01:11and, you know, as I said, you know, in terms of that, we seemed,

0:01:11 > 0:01:14in terms of the pressure, we seemed to play with a carefree attitude,

0:01:14 > 0:01:17if you like, sort of went the other way against it, really,

0:01:17 > 0:01:19and probably showed off our skills

0:01:19 > 0:01:21and played some fantastic rugby that day.

0:01:24 > 0:01:28France in Paris, don't believe we'd won there since 1975.

0:01:28 > 0:01:31Fantastic record against most nations, and certainly against us

0:01:31 > 0:01:34in Paris, and they probably thought they only had to turn up,

0:01:34 > 0:01:35maybe, and win the game.

0:01:35 > 0:01:37And I remember watching them

0:01:37 > 0:01:39in some of the games prior to our game and maybe thinking that,

0:01:39 > 0:01:41yeah, they're winning, but not the same side,

0:01:41 > 0:01:45not maybe playing with the same confidence as they normally do.

0:01:45 > 0:01:50I know it's a funny thing to say after back-to-back Grand Slams.

0:01:50 > 0:01:541975 was the last time Wales won in Paris.

0:01:54 > 0:01:56JJ Williams was part of that Welsh side.

0:01:56 > 0:01:59Yes, it really is a terrible record for Welsh rugby.

0:01:59 > 0:02:03New stadium, same atmosphere. Very daunting place to play.

0:02:03 > 0:02:07The sounds of Paris are different to any other stadium in the world.

0:02:07 > 0:02:09And from the start, Wales on their own 22,

0:02:09 > 0:02:11just try and move the ball,

0:02:11 > 0:02:13but they are penalised.

0:02:13 > 0:02:17Players went over the ball as Scott Gibbs took it on the charge.

0:02:17 > 0:02:20And here's the early chance for France

0:02:20 > 0:02:23and for Thomas Castaignede,

0:02:23 > 0:02:25This was a messy take from that kick-out,

0:02:25 > 0:02:28and there's the hands on the floor, holding onto that ball.

0:02:28 > 0:02:30Castaignede...

0:02:33 > 0:02:37..with a last-minute penalty... at Stade de France.

0:02:37 > 0:02:41He's failed with his first attempt, and that's a major let-off for Wales

0:02:41 > 0:02:43and big disappointment for the French.

0:02:44 > 0:02:48Howley leading Wales for the 11th time - won five, lost five,

0:02:48 > 0:02:50his record so far in charge.

0:02:50 > 0:02:51Up comes Shane Howarth.

0:02:51 > 0:02:53Nice, neat little sidestep.

0:02:54 > 0:02:57And it's Wales on opposition ten-metre line.

0:02:57 > 0:03:01The drive is from Peter Rogers, that's the new loosehead prop.

0:03:01 > 0:03:04All changed in the front row. Howley, out to Jenkins.

0:03:04 > 0:03:08Jenkins, the little dart through. In the clear. Looking for support.

0:03:08 > 0:03:11Oh, Scott Gibbs was there, but couldn't get the ball.

0:03:11 > 0:03:15It's a clear-cut chance and it should have been a try for Wales.

0:03:15 > 0:03:18It certainly should have been a try for Wales. Great break by Jenkins.

0:03:18 > 0:03:20It's a rare thing to see Jenkins make the break.

0:03:20 > 0:03:22France weren't expecting that.

0:03:22 > 0:03:24Scott Gibbs should have been on his shoulder

0:03:24 > 0:03:25when the outside half makes a break.

0:03:25 > 0:03:29That's a vital miss for Wales, should have been seven points for them.

0:03:33 > 0:03:35WHISTLE BLOWS

0:03:37 > 0:03:40Boring in, in the front row, not pushing straight.

0:03:45 > 0:03:47As Jenkins put Wales ahead, 3-0.

0:03:53 > 0:03:55That's Scott Quinnell's ball,

0:03:55 > 0:03:58brushes aside the challenge of Thomas Lombard.

0:04:00 > 0:04:03Howley. Again, enterprise from deep.

0:04:03 > 0:04:07And Shane Howarth in the clear. Excellent run.

0:04:07 > 0:04:09Howarth over the ten-metre line.

0:04:09 > 0:04:11In and out, and he's looking for Dafydd James.

0:04:11 > 0:04:15Dafydd James tried to get in the best position to support.

0:04:15 > 0:04:17Away it comes from Castaignede,

0:04:17 > 0:04:22but that's two searing breaks by Wales in the opening five minutes.

0:04:24 > 0:04:27Graham Henry was saying in his interview before the game

0:04:27 > 0:04:30that Wales have to be bold, and they certainly are that.

0:04:30 > 0:04:31Great running by Shane Howarth.

0:04:31 > 0:04:34I thought it was a forward pass when it went to the fullback.

0:04:34 > 0:04:36Dafydd James is working hard to get with him,

0:04:36 > 0:04:38and again, you can say that's a let-off for France.

0:04:41 > 0:04:44This is Howley on the break. Gibbs is outside.

0:04:44 > 0:04:46Howley tries to go himself.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48Five metres short.

0:04:48 > 0:04:50Remarkable opening by Wales.

0:04:50 > 0:04:52The try is there.

0:04:52 > 0:04:55And Colin Charvis is the scorer.

0:05:01 > 0:05:05It's no more than the red shirts deserve.

0:05:05 > 0:05:10They've created the chances, and at last, one has been converted.

0:05:10 > 0:05:12Wales 8, France 0.

0:05:12 > 0:05:14And the French defence is non-existent.

0:05:14 > 0:05:17Robert Howley coming through a huge hole there.

0:05:17 > 0:05:19But Charvis did well to pick up that ball.

0:05:19 > 0:05:20There's a lot of work to do

0:05:20 > 0:05:24and he drives over for a tremendously important try for Wales.

0:05:24 > 0:05:25Jenkins converts.

0:05:28 > 0:05:30And a remarkable start for Wales.

0:05:36 > 0:05:37That's Ben Evans.

0:05:39 > 0:05:41Almost 19 stone, the tighthead.

0:05:41 > 0:05:43The little chip is for Matthew Robinson to chase.

0:05:43 > 0:05:45It's well-placed.

0:05:45 > 0:05:48And that's the new cap for France, Marc Raynaud,

0:05:48 > 0:05:50from Narbonne.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55Now then. That's Comba, right through the gap.

0:05:55 > 0:05:57Ntamack is outside.

0:05:57 > 0:06:00It's Mark Taylor for Wales, Ntamack for France.

0:06:00 > 0:06:02And it's a try.

0:06:02 > 0:06:04What an opening to this game.

0:06:05 > 0:06:10Emile Ntamack gets his 18th try for his country.

0:06:10 > 0:06:14And a magnificent riposte from the French.

0:06:14 > 0:06:16Yes, I don't know why Franck Comba kicked this ball.

0:06:16 > 0:06:18A lovely outside break.

0:06:18 > 0:06:20Spins through the gap, huge gap there,

0:06:20 > 0:06:22and then Ntamack still has a lot of work to do.

0:06:22 > 0:06:24I thought he could have passed that ball onto Ntamack.

0:06:24 > 0:06:27Went for the kick, but the fullback had enough pace

0:06:27 > 0:06:29to keep Mark Taylor out, and that's another good score by France.

0:06:32 > 0:06:35Castaignede, spot-on.

0:06:35 > 0:06:38And the score - France 7, Wales 10.

0:06:40 > 0:06:42He scored against Wales in '95,

0:06:42 > 0:06:44Ntamack, and he's repeated.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49Gained his first cap against Wales, as well, in '94.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01And it seems Aucagne might have gone to outside-half

0:07:01 > 0:07:03with Castaignede into the centre.

0:07:03 > 0:07:05Here go Wales again through Colin Charvis.

0:07:05 > 0:07:08Peter Rogers wearing 1.

0:07:08 > 0:07:10Just a little untidy.

0:07:10 > 0:07:11But this is Chris Wyatt.

0:07:11 > 0:07:15He's been a revelation this season in the red shirt.

0:07:15 > 0:07:18Jenkins. Jenkins almost through the gap for the second time.

0:07:18 > 0:07:20It's really positive play by Wales.

0:07:21 > 0:07:22WHISTLE BLOWS

0:07:22 > 0:07:26Howley hanging onto the ball after that tackle.

0:07:32 > 0:07:36Lovely play by France again, and it's Lombard.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39Still going, and they're streaming up now on the right.

0:07:39 > 0:07:42Here's another marvellous chance for France.

0:07:42 > 0:07:43It's out to Bernat-Salles.

0:07:43 > 0:07:46Bernat-Salles with plenty of support.

0:07:46 > 0:07:49Number 8 is Lievremont.

0:07:49 > 0:07:51- 15 metres short, France. - WHISTLE BLOWS

0:07:51 > 0:07:54And it's a Welsh penalty as France go over the top.

0:08:00 > 0:08:01A constant try scorer,

0:08:01 > 0:08:05but pressure relieved this time by Neil Jenkins, but it's so refreshing

0:08:05 > 0:08:09to see two sides prepared to attack from all quarters of the field.

0:08:11 > 0:08:13Wyatt soaring high.

0:08:13 > 0:08:15Jenkins...

0:08:15 > 0:08:19Again, a well practised move to try and release midfield players.

0:08:19 > 0:08:20WHISTLE BLOWS

0:08:24 > 0:08:27Well, it's a chance for Wales, but I wonder, did Jim Fleming

0:08:27 > 0:08:31blow a second or two early there, as Wales had possession?

0:08:32 > 0:08:37Jenkins has become only the second player in the history of the game

0:08:37 > 0:08:41to cross 700 points, incidentally, in international rugby.

0:08:41 > 0:08:47Michael Lynagh of Australia way out ahead at the top of the list

0:08:47 > 0:08:50with 911.

0:08:50 > 0:08:52But Jenkins is now on 701,

0:08:52 > 0:08:55including 41 for the British Lions.

0:09:00 > 0:09:02And that's why he's accumulated

0:09:02 > 0:09:04so many points on the international stage.

0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Against the throw for Wales. - WHISTLE BLOWS

0:09:11 > 0:09:15But Jim Fleming belatedly blows the whistle,

0:09:15 > 0:09:16not for the pushing in the line-out

0:09:16 > 0:09:20but for dropping on the ball on the ground.

0:09:21 > 0:09:24Castaignede, who plays his rugby now for Castres.

0:09:28 > 0:09:30Strokes it beautifully between.

0:09:32 > 0:09:35He's now got his range. That's a warning sign for Wales.

0:09:37 > 0:09:39It's an encouraging one for France.

0:09:39 > 0:09:41Graham Henry...

0:09:41 > 0:09:43Now then, his thoughts on the opening 15 minutes,

0:09:43 > 0:09:44I wonder, John.

0:09:44 > 0:09:47Remarkable. We've got a score line of 13-10.

0:09:47 > 0:09:48- JIM FLEMING:- OK.

0:09:51 > 0:09:5316 minutes gone, it's Howley.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55Gibbs. Quinnell.

0:09:55 > 0:09:58Almost worked back to Howley.

0:09:59 > 0:10:02Good, aggressive tackling by France, but Matthew Robinson again.

0:10:04 > 0:10:06Strong and quick at close quarters,

0:10:06 > 0:10:09and Wales have it through Gibbs, back to Jenkins, out to Howarth.

0:10:09 > 0:10:11Howarth for the gap. It's out to Dafydd James.

0:10:11 > 0:10:13James for the corner.

0:10:13 > 0:10:15Inside... Tantalisingly close again

0:10:15 > 0:10:17for Wales and Jenkins.

0:10:17 > 0:10:21The ball's gone forward and Jim Fleming is playing advantage France.

0:10:21 > 0:10:24Carbonneau, Aucagne...

0:10:24 > 0:10:26Even behind their own try line they're ready to go.

0:10:26 > 0:10:29And there's Castaignede. Brilliant.

0:10:29 > 0:10:32Superb reverse pass.

0:10:32 > 0:10:34Magical French play,

0:10:34 > 0:10:36and they're flowing up field.

0:10:36 > 0:10:37It's out to Bernat-Salles.

0:10:37 > 0:10:39Bernat-Salles.

0:10:39 > 0:10:41Magnificent cover by Robert Howley.

0:10:41 > 0:10:44And what a passage of play.

0:10:44 > 0:10:46This little man, and he does this little flick with his back,

0:10:46 > 0:10:49like Jo Maso, who's now the team manager of France.

0:10:49 > 0:10:52It's a joy to watch and the French crowd love it. Look at him.

0:10:52 > 0:10:55Dancing, and then that little skill flick. Fabulous.

0:10:57 > 0:10:59CROWD CHEERS

0:10:59 > 0:11:03Big roar from the French crowd. They took that on the Welsh throw.

0:11:05 > 0:11:08And rumbling clear is Franck Tournaire.

0:11:08 > 0:11:10Here go the French pack.

0:11:10 > 0:11:13Ibanez so close in the corner there.

0:11:15 > 0:11:19Tournaire, tighthead prop, as well. He wears 3.

0:11:19 > 0:11:22And it was almost, almost a second French try.

0:11:26 > 0:11:27Wyatt...

0:11:28 > 0:11:32...above all in that line-out, and Howley...

0:11:32 > 0:11:35deliberately infield - doesn't want to concede that lineout.

0:11:35 > 0:11:37Great kick, Dafydd James.

0:11:37 > 0:11:39Dafydd James has got Sinkinson with him.

0:11:39 > 0:11:41Here comes Neil Jenkins as well.

0:11:41 > 0:11:43They went the wrong way.

0:11:43 > 0:11:45Another clear-cut chance

0:11:45 > 0:11:50and it's still there as Dafydd powers his way up almost to the 22.

0:11:50 > 0:11:52This is Chris Wyatt.

0:11:52 > 0:11:55He's supplied the scoring pass on so many occasions

0:11:55 > 0:11:57this season for Wales.

0:11:57 > 0:11:59And it's another penalty.

0:11:59 > 0:12:01And it's a thrill a minute.

0:12:01 > 0:12:04You can't take your eyes off the ground here.

0:12:04 > 0:12:08A magnificent game of rugby and a magnificent take by Dafydd James.

0:12:08 > 0:12:09I thought Dafydd could have kept on running

0:12:09 > 0:12:11once he got back on his feet here.

0:12:11 > 0:12:13There's hardly anyone in front of him.

0:12:13 > 0:12:14But he decided to pass that ball on,

0:12:14 > 0:12:17and there was no-one with pace him outside him then.

0:12:17 > 0:12:21Neil Jenkins, 62 caps today.

0:12:21 > 0:12:25Becomes equal with Gareth Llewellyn, the lock forward.

0:12:25 > 0:12:30Second in the all-time list for Wales, ten behind Ieuan Evans.

0:12:31 > 0:12:34And again, proof of his value to any rugby side.

0:12:39 > 0:12:43That comes down from Brouzet.

0:12:43 > 0:12:46Comba, again the little chip through.

0:12:46 > 0:12:47Robinson, good cover.

0:12:47 > 0:12:49But can't take it cleanly.

0:12:49 > 0:12:52And Ntamack at the back, it's a second try.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59Yes, you make a mistake against the French and they will punish you.

0:12:59 > 0:13:02It was a harmless kick ahead, Robinson had plenty of time,

0:13:02 > 0:13:04the ball was bouncing up for him.

0:13:04 > 0:13:05Should have steadied himself.

0:13:05 > 0:13:08I think he wanted to counterattack. It bounced kindly for him.

0:13:08 > 0:13:12Ntamack, a lovely sidestep off his left foot there to score the try.

0:13:16 > 0:13:20The post the difference between France leading and Wales leading.

0:13:20 > 0:13:23In it goes. Ibanez finds his man at the back.

0:13:26 > 0:13:27Lombard.

0:13:32 > 0:13:36They're all joining in. Ntamack is sensing a hat-trick.

0:13:36 > 0:13:37WHISTLE BLOWS

0:13:37 > 0:13:39Wales offside.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45Now Castaignede has the chance to push France ahead

0:13:45 > 0:13:46for the first time in this game.

0:13:47 > 0:13:50Concentration amidst the noise.

0:13:53 > 0:13:55France 18, Wales 16.

0:13:59 > 0:14:02That's Raynaud, the new cap.

0:14:02 > 0:14:04The replacement for Olivier Magne.

0:14:05 > 0:14:09Christian Califano, who's an extra back on the field.

0:14:09 > 0:14:13Recovered from injury, regained his place in the national side.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16Comba again. He is creating all sorts of problems.

0:14:16 > 0:14:18But Scott Gibbs has taken it away from him.

0:14:18 > 0:14:20And here comes Colin Charvis, Ben Evans in support.

0:14:22 > 0:14:25He's placed it and now it's Howley out. Jenkins.

0:14:25 > 0:14:26Jenkins...

0:14:26 > 0:14:28Tremendous tackle from Castaignede.

0:14:31 > 0:14:34Jenkins did well on the ground to maintain possession.

0:14:34 > 0:14:38And that's Charvis, and Gibbs, the Swansea combination.

0:14:38 > 0:14:42Driving on is Rogers, effectively as well.

0:14:42 > 0:14:46And now it's Quinnell. Scott Quinnell into the French 22.

0:14:46 > 0:14:49Howley behind them. Out there is Robinson.

0:14:49 > 0:14:52Howarth didn't give him the ball.

0:14:52 > 0:14:53The fullback tried to go on his own.

0:14:53 > 0:14:57But it's still Welsh possession, they've held onto it.

0:14:57 > 0:14:59And this is Mark Taylor. Taylor of Swansea.

0:14:59 > 0:15:03Taylor almost wriggling his way clear.

0:15:03 > 0:15:06It's still Welsh ball and it's still Robert Howley.

0:15:06 > 0:15:08Neil Jenkins, Dafydd James.

0:15:08 > 0:15:10James, the second Welsh try.

0:15:14 > 0:15:16Brilliant play by Wales.

0:15:19 > 0:15:22And this is superb entertainment.

0:15:22 > 0:15:24Yes, another great try by Wales.

0:15:24 > 0:15:26The forwards did so well to set this ball up

0:15:26 > 0:15:29in the middle of the field, and Jenkins brings the man in.

0:15:29 > 0:15:30Dafydd James came from a deep position -

0:15:30 > 0:15:32he was in the middle of that ruck.

0:15:32 > 0:15:35He got out on to the left wing to score over in the corner.

0:15:35 > 0:15:38Well done, Wales. Battled back into this game.

0:15:38 > 0:15:40Lot of work to do by Dafydd James, but he's a big, strong boy.

0:15:40 > 0:15:43Bernat-Salles was never going to stop him. Good try.

0:15:50 > 0:15:53He hasn't failed so far. This, the most difficult.

0:15:53 > 0:15:55And he's just pulled it wide.

0:15:56 > 0:15:59But France 18, Wales 21.

0:16:02 > 0:16:03Scott Quinnell.

0:16:05 > 0:16:07Coach Henry said he was looking for a big game

0:16:07 > 0:16:09from the Quinnell brothers.

0:16:09 > 0:16:10They've supplied it so far.

0:16:10 > 0:16:12And here goes Howarth again. Onto James.

0:16:12 > 0:16:14He's turned inside Bernat-Salles.

0:16:14 > 0:16:19Charvis is running to get in support. Dafydd James didn't look.

0:16:19 > 0:16:22Again, it's Howley. Howley could go all the way.

0:16:22 > 0:16:24Out the ball comes.

0:16:24 > 0:16:27But it's out to Craig Quinnell, he's galloping over.

0:16:27 > 0:16:29Magnificent.

0:16:29 > 0:16:32Absolutely magnificent.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35And what a try this is for Wales again.

0:16:35 > 0:16:37Craig Quinnell working so hard

0:16:37 > 0:16:40to get up onto that right-wing position and sprint over.

0:16:40 > 0:16:41What a try.

0:16:41 > 0:16:45And even all the French crowd are applauding Wales. Fabulous rugby.

0:16:45 > 0:16:48Dafydd James on the left, and when he lays it back, Robert Howley...

0:16:48 > 0:16:50I thought Howley was going to go all the way here.

0:16:50 > 0:16:51The gap opened up for him.

0:16:51 > 0:16:54But intelligently, he could see that Craig Quinnell was out there.

0:16:54 > 0:16:57And the big man, he loved this. His second try for Wales. Fabulous.

0:16:59 > 0:17:04Father Derek had his first cap against France in Cardiff,

0:17:04 > 0:17:05coming on as a replacement.

0:17:05 > 0:17:07Remember that picture,

0:17:07 > 0:17:09when he pushed the policeman aside to get on.

0:17:09 > 0:17:12And now Quinnell has made it a family hat-trick against France.

0:17:12 > 0:17:16Neil Jenkins has added the extra two points.

0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's France 18,

0:17:18 > 0:17:21and it's Wales 28.

0:17:21 > 0:17:24We had no doubt that they would come out in the second half

0:17:24 > 0:17:27and really have a pop at us and play some good rugby themselves.

0:17:27 > 0:17:29Like, Castaignede, Emile Ntamack, in the back line,

0:17:29 > 0:17:32it was always going to be very tough and stuff, and, you know,

0:17:32 > 0:17:35they're huge threats worldwide, fantastic rugby players

0:17:35 > 0:17:38and world-class, and we certainly knew, whether it be at half-time

0:17:38 > 0:17:41or any part of the game, that they would get themselves into the game

0:17:41 > 0:17:42and cause us problems.

0:17:42 > 0:17:44And as the game wore on, they certainly did.

0:17:48 > 0:17:52Lievremont escapes from Neil Jenkins. He's up to halfway.

0:17:52 > 0:17:55Good play by the number 8. Carbonneau switching it.

0:17:55 > 0:17:57And that's Ntamack, he's away.

0:17:57 > 0:18:00Inside is the captain, Ibanez.

0:18:00 > 0:18:01It's back to...

0:18:01 > 0:18:06Emile Ntamack has got a hat-trick. Superb play.

0:18:06 > 0:18:09But there's one little doubt.

0:18:09 > 0:18:12Was the final pass from Ibanez to Emile Ntamack

0:18:12 > 0:18:14just slightly forward?

0:18:14 > 0:18:19But no-one can deny the man from Toulouse his hour of glory.

0:18:19 > 0:18:22Ntamack a real handful, making this try, really.

0:18:22 > 0:18:25Now, was this a forward pass? Let's have a look.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28Marginal, possible, but this man is a class player.

0:18:28 > 0:18:30Has the pace and the strength to get over.

0:18:30 > 0:18:33It's another great afternoon in a glittering career

0:18:33 > 0:18:34for Emile Ntamack.

0:18:37 > 0:18:40Superb conversion by Thomas Castaignede.

0:18:43 > 0:18:47So, excitement mounts. The French crowd find their voice.

0:18:48 > 0:18:53It's France 25, Wales 28. It's three tries apiece.

0:18:53 > 0:18:56And now we've got noise in the stadium at last.

0:18:56 > 0:18:58Here go Wales. Howarth is out.

0:18:58 > 0:19:01Dafydd James. James taking on Garbajosa.

0:19:01 > 0:19:04But first man there is Castaignede.

0:19:04 > 0:19:07Gibbs arrives to lend his power.

0:19:09 > 0:19:13And now it's Colin Charvis breaking into the French half.

0:19:13 > 0:19:15Howley. Brett Sinkinson.

0:19:15 > 0:19:17Neil Jenkins.

0:19:17 > 0:19:20Peter Rogers lost possession. This could be dangerous for Wales.

0:19:20 > 0:19:22But no.

0:19:22 > 0:19:26Half a chance for France, but Mark Taylor is the first back.

0:19:26 > 0:19:28Half the Swansea partnership in midfield

0:19:28 > 0:19:30that is now playing for Wales.

0:19:30 > 0:19:32Howley almost found a little gap for himself.

0:19:32 > 0:19:34- WHISTLE BLOWS - He's held on.

0:19:43 > 0:19:45It's this to tie the scores

0:19:45 > 0:19:47as we approach the midway point of the second half.

0:19:56 > 0:19:58It's there.

0:19:58 > 0:20:04And remarkably, the score at the Stade de France...

0:20:04 > 0:20:07is Wales 28, France 28,

0:20:07 > 0:20:11and what a final quarter in prospect.

0:20:11 > 0:20:15And here's a significant change for Wales. Robert Howley can't continue.

0:20:15 > 0:20:18He's taken a knock to his knee. And on is David Llewellyn.

0:20:20 > 0:20:22What an important moment for the man from Ebbw Vale.

0:20:24 > 0:20:29First touch. Out it goes to Quinnell. Inside to Charvis.

0:20:29 > 0:20:31Just the second cap for Llewellyn.

0:20:31 > 0:20:34He had a few minutes as a replacement when Wales

0:20:34 > 0:20:37were swept aside against South Africa

0:20:37 > 0:20:39to the tune of some 90 points...

0:20:40 > 0:20:41..a year ago.

0:20:44 > 0:20:49So, Llewellyn is on for the Welsh captain, Robert Howley.

0:20:49 > 0:20:5013 minutes left.

0:20:50 > 0:20:53WHISTLE BLOWS

0:20:53 > 0:20:56Crossing in midfield, that's a penalty for Wales.

0:20:56 > 0:20:59And despite his lack of success in the second half, JJ,

0:20:59 > 0:21:04I'm sure that Neil Jenkins will get that little sand castle out

0:21:04 > 0:21:07- and aim for goal. - This is an important kick for Wales.

0:21:07 > 0:21:09You can see the crossing over here in midfield for France.

0:21:11 > 0:21:14Definite penalty, driving into them, contact made.

0:21:14 > 0:21:16Penalty given away.

0:21:18 > 0:21:21France 28, Wales 28.

0:21:21 > 0:21:2428 minutes gone of the second half.

0:21:25 > 0:21:28And a vital penalty attempt for Neil Jenkins. He's struck it well.

0:21:30 > 0:21:32Marvellous kick and Wales are back ahead.

0:21:37 > 0:21:41Llewellyn. Jenkins.

0:21:41 > 0:21:43Taylor. Almost slicing through.

0:21:43 > 0:21:45Has he lost the ball? Yes, he has.

0:21:45 > 0:21:46And here goes Comba.

0:21:46 > 0:21:48Comba.

0:21:48 > 0:21:51Swept it out to Garbajosa.

0:21:51 > 0:21:53Garbajosa up to the Welsh ten-metre line.

0:21:53 > 0:21:56Comba in support. Marvellous French play.

0:21:56 > 0:21:59Up to ten metres outside that Welsh 22.

0:21:59 > 0:22:03Dafydd James retreating from an offside position,

0:22:03 > 0:22:06but it's still France, and they're looking so dangerous.

0:22:06 > 0:22:10Vital challenge by Scott Gibbs. Put his man off.

0:22:10 > 0:22:13But here goes Lombard, he's outside Sinkinson.

0:22:15 > 0:22:1715 metres short, France.

0:22:17 > 0:22:20Trundling on. And the ball is still not dead.

0:22:21 > 0:22:26Raynaud, number 7. France within five metres.

0:22:26 > 0:22:28And they're lining up out right.

0:22:28 > 0:22:31It must be a try for the blue shirts.

0:22:31 > 0:22:36Out it goes, and it's Castaignede. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

0:22:43 > 0:22:45The ball started way back up the field

0:22:45 > 0:22:48when Wales lost the ball with Mark Taylor.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50But credit to the French, this was a fabulous rugby.

0:22:50 > 0:22:54Look, Fabien Pelous is the midfield handling this ball on.

0:22:55 > 0:22:57Big second row, giving it to...

0:22:58 > 0:23:01..Castaignede who just sprints off. Fabulous try by France.

0:23:03 > 0:23:07It's a ninth for Thomas Castaignede on the international stage.

0:23:07 > 0:23:09They had so many men spare.

0:23:10 > 0:23:13And who better to cross finally?

0:23:13 > 0:23:17And is that the try that sees France home, I wonder?

0:23:17 > 0:23:18We've still got eight minutes left.

0:23:20 > 0:23:23Castaignede, who saved them in Dublin

0:23:23 > 0:23:26with a last-minute penalty four weeks ago

0:23:26 > 0:23:32to keep alive their hopes of a third consecutive Grand Slam.

0:23:32 > 0:23:33Has he done it again?

0:23:41 > 0:23:46Castaignede, he's slipped in the run-up. And that could be important.

0:23:46 > 0:23:49But that turnover in midfield was so important.

0:23:49 > 0:23:51It allows the French then to counterattack,

0:23:51 > 0:23:53and that's the ball they want.

0:23:56 > 0:23:59First half, France would have attacked from there.

0:24:00 > 0:24:03Is that a late tackle on Shane Howarth? Yes, it is.

0:24:03 > 0:24:05Jim Fleming indicates

0:24:05 > 0:24:07Thomas Castaignede went in with a shoulder,

0:24:07 > 0:24:11and is the hero about to become a villain?

0:24:11 > 0:24:15Has Castaignede given advantage back to Wales?

0:24:15 > 0:24:19Another absolutely vital, crucial kick for Neil Jenkins.

0:24:19 > 0:24:2235 minutes are approaching.

0:24:22 > 0:24:24Wales trail by two points.

0:24:24 > 0:24:28It's the little chip, he's turned his back, he knows it there,

0:24:28 > 0:24:30and there's delight again

0:24:30 > 0:24:33for the travelling thousands of Welsh people.

0:24:36 > 0:24:39No side in the history of the Five Nations has gone on

0:24:39 > 0:24:42to win three consecutive Grand Slams.

0:24:42 > 0:24:45That was France's ambition for this season.

0:24:46 > 0:24:50But Wales are within seconds of denying them.

0:24:50 > 0:24:54But here come France. Wales in a mix-up at the base of the scrum.

0:24:54 > 0:24:57Carbonneau. That's Fabien Pelous.

0:24:57 > 0:25:00They're within inches of the Welsh try line,

0:25:00 > 0:25:04- within inches of saving it again. - WHISTLE BLOWS

0:25:04 > 0:25:07And it's a penalty. A punch came in from the Welsh side.

0:25:10 > 0:25:13And the drama remains. It's been unfolding...

0:25:13 > 0:25:18I remember the ball popping out and thinking, "Oh, no, is this it?"

0:25:18 > 0:25:21We're on our own line, we're under a bit of pressure,

0:25:21 > 0:25:25and the referee's given a penalty away on the far right-hand side.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27And this an important decision for France.

0:25:29 > 0:25:32It's decision by committee. We're into stoppage time.

0:25:32 > 0:25:39And finally...it all rests on this man, Thomas Castaignede.

0:25:39 > 0:25:42Thomas had missed one quite early on in the game,

0:25:42 > 0:25:46where he just sort of pulled one round to the left, so probably...

0:25:46 > 0:25:47I'm sure he won't mind me saying this,

0:25:47 > 0:25:49he's probably not a natural kicker

0:25:49 > 0:25:51and probably didn't want a goal kick, to be honest.

0:25:51 > 0:25:54A tough kick by anyone's standards and, you know,

0:25:54 > 0:25:57I did think at the time that surely we are due a little bit of luck

0:25:57 > 0:26:01and it would be nice if this one sort of went to the left or right.

0:26:01 > 0:26:04Wales have waited 24 years for a victory in Paris.

0:26:04 > 0:26:07Is Castaignede going to deny them as well?

0:26:07 > 0:26:09Castaignede strokes it.

0:26:09 > 0:26:12It's past the post.

0:26:12 > 0:26:15Huge disappointment for France.

0:26:15 > 0:26:18Big relief for Wales.

0:26:18 > 0:26:23And Thomas Castaignede has failed to repeat what he did in Dublin.

0:26:23 > 0:26:27Jim Fleming has blown his whistle.

0:26:27 > 0:26:31That is a truly remarkable afternoon of rugby.

0:26:31 > 0:26:35France 33, Wales 34.

0:26:35 > 0:26:37It is a fantastic achievement,

0:26:37 > 0:26:39the first Welsh side to win there since '75.

0:26:39 > 0:26:41And in Paris, obviously,

0:26:41 > 0:26:44it was the first time we'd played at the Stade de France,

0:26:44 > 0:26:46so, yeah, it's an epic experience, really,

0:26:46 > 0:26:48and something you'll never forget.

0:26:50 > 0:26:53The boys had a good drink that night and enjoyed ourselves,

0:26:53 > 0:26:55and generally, the family came with us as well,

0:26:55 > 0:26:57so it would have been a great experience for everyone.

0:26:57 > 0:27:00And to win a Test match anywhere is pretty special,

0:27:00 > 0:27:02but to go to Paris, probably one of the hardest grounds

0:27:02 > 0:27:06to get a victory, was undoubtedly very special.

0:27:06 > 0:27:09On to England and another home game for Wales at Wembley.

0:27:09 > 0:27:12The English were unbeaten and favourites for the Grand Slam.

0:27:12 > 0:27:15If you win in Paris and that doesn't give you confidence,

0:27:15 > 0:27:16I don't know what will.

0:27:16 > 0:27:20In terms of that, it certainly gave us an awful lot of confidence,

0:27:20 > 0:27:23and albeit we knew England were going for the Grand Slam,

0:27:23 > 0:27:27it was in London, it was at Wembley, supposedly our home ground.

0:27:27 > 0:27:29You know, we were a confident side then I felt and, you know,

0:27:29 > 0:27:32we certainly turned up that day and, obviously,

0:27:32 > 0:27:33everyone knows what happened.

0:27:33 > 0:27:38Scott Gibbs goes through. Scott Gibbs has scored.

0:27:38 > 0:27:40What an amazing try.

0:27:43 > 0:27:46But Wales were still a point adrift and, just like in Paris,

0:27:46 > 0:27:51the difference between glory and despair was one pressure kick.

0:27:51 > 0:27:54This will lift the roof. Has he stuck it over?

0:27:54 > 0:27:56And indeed he has.

0:27:57 > 0:28:03And that... Well, can you imagine a more dramatic closing sequence?

0:28:03 > 0:28:05It's 32 points to 31.

0:28:08 > 0:28:10In the summer, Wales returned to Cardiff

0:28:10 > 0:28:12for their first match at the Millennium Stadium,

0:28:12 > 0:28:15the new ground proving inspirational

0:28:15 > 0:28:19as Wales beat South Africa for the first time ever.

0:28:19 > 0:28:22The winning streak eventually stretched to ten in a row,

0:28:22 > 0:28:27including a series win in Argentina, the first ever by a British side.

0:28:27 > 0:28:28Add in the hosting of a World Cup

0:28:28 > 0:28:32and '99 proved a memorable year for Welsh rugby.

0:28:32 > 0:28:35As a player and being involved is something that I'll never forget,

0:28:35 > 0:28:38'99, and probably more special than anything,

0:28:38 > 0:28:42the birth of my daughter that year as well, so, you know, it's just...

0:28:42 > 0:28:46It is, it was a pretty special year from all concerned, really.

0:28:46 > 0:28:47# What's new to you?

0:28:50 > 0:28:53# What's new to you? #

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